Laurel · Anonymous · The Lay of the Nibelung Men

Adventure XIV: How the Queens spake bitter Words Each unto Other

Anonymous (about 1200), translated by Arthur S. Way · 1911

rhyming couplets · 288 lines · from The Lay of the Nibelung Men

It befell, ere it rang unto vespers, that the clash of joyous sportCame up through the palace-casements from many a knight in the courtAs they fell to the gallant tourney to wing with mirth the hours.From the hall men hasted to watch them, and maidens from theirbowers.There sat those Queens together, queens famous far and near,And of two knights still were they thinking, two knights without apeer.

Then spake Kriemhild the lovely: "My lord is such a knightThat beneath him all these kingdoms might well be bowed as of right."Answered the Lady Brunhild: "Tush! how may such thing be?If there lived on the earth no mortal save only thou and he,Then haply might this kingdom be subject to Siegmund's son;But so long as Gunther liveth, may such thing never be done."Thereto made answer Kriemhild: "Dost mark how stands he there?With the princely pride of his presence none other knight maycompare,As the full moon in her brightness doth all the stars outshine.Wherefore for good cause ever glad heart and proud is mine."But again made answer Brunhild: "Be he goodly as ye will,And stately and noble-hearted, one standeth above him still,Gunther, the flower of knighthood, thine high-born brother: in sooth,High stands he above all earth-kings, and this thou knowest fortruth."But again made answer Kriemhild: "My lord is of such high worth,That with fullest right have I praised him for the mightiest man onearth.In many a thing is he worthy of honour's chiefest meed.Doth thine heart not tell thee, Brunhild, he is Gunther's peerindeed?"

"Now this my word, O Kriemhild, take not as said in despite,In that I say that my boasting is made of fullest right.This said they both--I heard it, when first these twain I beheldIn the day when in my contests my will by the King's was quelled,When he won my love, in fashion so knightly triumphing,Siegfried himself said, 'Vassal am I unto Gunther the King.'Therefore I hold him his liegeman: of himself I heard it confessed."Made answer Kriemhild the lovely: "For me 'twere a bitter jest!How like were my noble brethren so to have dealt with meThat they should abase me ever the bride of a vassal to be!Therefore will I, O Brunhild, entreat thee even as a friend--For courtesy's sake, and my love's sake, let this thy babble haveend."

Made answer the Queen: "I may not refrain me from this my claim.Am I like to renounce the service of all these knights of fameWhich, even as thine, be bounden to homage unto my lord?"Then the anger of Kriemhild the lovely leapt into flame at the word:"This boast, thou must needs forego it, that my lord ever on earthHath rendered thee aught of homage! Mine hero is more of worthThan thy lord, my brother Gunther, be he never so noble a king.Thou therefore shalt spare me the hearing of thy fond imagining.Yea, needs must I marvel ever, if he be thy vassal-thane,And thou be exalted so highly in worship above us twain,Wherefore so long all tribute to thee hath of him been denied!Of right I demand to be pestered no more with thine arrogant pride.""Too high dost thou exalt thee," Queen Brunhild made reply:"Now will I prove of a surety if folk account thee as highIn royal esteem and honour as they hold the Queen, even me!"By this was the two Queens' anger kindled unquenchably.

Flashed out her answer Kriemhild: "Soon shall the issue be shown,Since thou darest to claim my Siegfried for a vassal of thy throne!By all the two Kings' barons this day shall it be seenIf I dare or dare not enter the minster before the Queen!I will show unto thee right plainly that noble am I and free!I will prove my lord more worthy than thine may ever be!Yea I, even I, will brook not thy malapert insults!--know,This day shalt thyself behold it, how thy vassal--quotha!--shall goIn royal procession leading her knights in Burgundy.Mine head shall be higher than ever it hath happed unto any to seeThe head of a Daughter of Princes--though a crown make the littlegreat!"By this betwixt those ladies exceeding stern was the hate.Fiercely made answer Brunhild: "Wouldst not for a vassal be known?Then of sore need must thou sever thyself with thy train from mineown,When subject and Queen in procession on to the minster go.""Of a truth," laughed scornfully Kriemhild, "doubt not but it shallbe so!"

"Now array yourselves, my maidens," to her damsels Kriemhild cried."Let see if unshamed I may not within this land abide!Be it seen to-day if ye have not royal-rich attire.Soon shall the lie be given to herself by Brunhild the liar!"Small need was to urge them: raiment they sought out rich and rare.Swiftly radiant in splendour stood matron and maiden there.Now with the train of her handmaids paced to the minster the Queen--But lo, cometh Kriemhild the lovely, a very glory-sheen,With maidens three-and-forty, which had fared with her unto Rhine:In loveliest loomwork, woven in Araby, did they shine.So royally swept the maidens up to the minster-door;And for her the vassals of Siegfried were waiting therebefore.Then looked the people, and marvelled for what cause this befellThat they saw the Queens from each other sundered, and none couldtellWherefore they walked not together side by side as of old.--Thence came unto many a baron affliction manifold.

Even as in front of the minster the wife of Gunther stood,And the gallant knights Burgundian made sport in frolic moodWith them of the Queen's train-royal, fair dame and winsome maid,Came thither the Lady Kriemhild with her troop all splendour-arrayed.What raiment soever the daughter of a noble knight might wear,By the gorgeous attire of her maidens had all been as empty air.Her wealth was so all-unmeasured that wives of kings thrice tenNever had shown such splendour as was flaunted by Kriemhild then.How much he desired soever, no man had dared to sayThat in all his days he had gazed on such royal-rich arrayAs shone in that hour on her maidens magnifical-bedight.Never Kriemhild had done it, but to render to Brunhild despite fordespite.

Each face to face met other at that wide minster-gate;And thereat the wife of Gunther in her jealousy and hateCried out, "Stand still, thou Kriemhild!"--her rage in her voice rangkeen--"It beseems not the wife of a vassal to pass before a Queen!"Swift answer made Kriemhild the lovely in angry and scornful mood:"Hadst had but the grace to be silent, for thee had it been rightgood.Thou!--thou hast on thy fair body brought shame by wantoning!How might another's leman ever be wife of a King?""Whom hast thou here named leman?"--the cry from the Queen's lipsburst."That have I thee!" hissed Kriemhild; "for thy fair body firstWas embraced by none other than Siegfried, mine own belovèd lord.Of a surety it was not my brother--nay, but by him wert thou whored!How was thy wit so hoodwinked?--a cunning wile was it all!How couldst thou let him embrace thee who is but thy vassal-thrall?I hear thee," scoffed on Kriemhild, "complain where no cause is!""In veriest deed," cried Brunhild, "I will tell unto Gunther this!""Wherein unto me is the peril? Thyself hath thine arrogance snared!To summon me to render homage to thee hast thou dared!This one thing know of a surety--I grieve, but the cause art thou--All trust and friendship is ended between us for ever now."

Brake Brunhild forth into weeping: but Kriemhild tarried no more,And before the wife of Gunther she entered the minster-door,She and her train. Most bitter hate did her words beget.Therefrom bright eyes full many were grief-overclouded and wet.For all the solemn service, and the holy chant and song,That hour of worship to Brunhild lasted all too long;She was heart-overclouded with anguish, and darkly did she brood;And for this full penalty lighted on warriors brave and good.In front of the gate of the minster with her maids did Brunhild stay;And she said to her heart: "Now Kriemhild unto me shall the wholetruth sayOf those loud-throated railings, who hath whetted her tongue like asword.If Siegfried thus hath vaunted, his life shall pay for the word!"

Now Kriemhild with bold knights many came forth of the holy place;And sharply spake Queen Brunhild: "Abide thou there for a space!Thou hast chosen to call me leman: the proof thereof will I see.Thy word, know thou, is an evil and a loathly word to me."Spake Kriemhild the Fair: "It were better for thee hadst thou let mego!With the golden ring I prove it on mine hand that glittereth--lo!Unto me did Siegfried bring this what time by thy side he lay."Never had dawned on Brunhild such an utter-wretched day.She cried: "This gold ring royal--even this was stolen from me!It hath been for long years hidden by caitiff treachery!I am now on the track of the felon, the thief that my jewel hathta'en!"Raging in reinless fury were now these ladies twain.

Spake Kriemhild again: "Of thy jewel the thief was nowise I.Far better hadst thou kept silence, hadst thou held thine honourhigh!Lo, I prove it again by the girdle which compasseth my waist.Not I am the liar!--by Siegfried first was thy body embraced."Fair-plaited of silk of the Orient was the girdle that she ware,With precious stones thick-studded, a marvel passing fair.That Brunhild beheld, and she brake forth into stormy weeping then,Crying, "This shall be known of Gunther and of all his mighty men!"

Then spake the Queen of Rhineland: "Send unto me straightwayGunther the Lord of the Kingdom, for he shall hear this dayHow foully his sister hath slandered and spoken shame of the Queen.She saith before all people that Siegfried's wife have I been."The King came girt with his barons: he saw the grief-bowed headAnd the tears of his dear wife Brunhild, and lovingly he said:"Of whom, my wife, my belovèd, hath a hurt been done unto thee?"And she spake to the King, and she answered: "Joyless for aye must Ibe!Of all my wifely honour this thy sister is fainTo strip me by shameful accusing: unto thee I must needs complain.She saith that with Siegfried her husband I have wantoned in shameand sin."Answered and spake King Gunther: "She hath wickedly done herein!""She weareth here my girdle, which long time since I lost,And withal my ring of the red gold--O me, to my bitter costWas I born, and I rue it ever! If thou clear not my nameFrom the stain of such utter abasement, my love never more shalt thouclaim."

Then spake to a lord King Gunther: "Summon him hither thou.If he of such deed have boasted, he must make confession now,Or must give to the lie denial, this hero of Netherland."So unto that presence Siegfried was called by the King's command.So then when the good knight Siegfried saw faces disquieted,And the cause thereof divined not, straightway he spake and said:"Now wherefore weep these ladies? This unto me make known;And wherefore the King hath called me hither, be this too shown."Then spake King Gunther: "Sorrow I find here bitter as death.The Lady Brunhild hath told me a tale of venomous breath,Even this, that thou hast vaunted that thou in bridal bedFirst didst embrace her. Of Kriemhild thy wife is this thing said."

Made answer the hero Siegfried: "If Kriemhild hath said this thing,I will take no rest or ever she rue her slandering!Yea, and thereof will I clear me in presence of all thy lordsBy the faith of my solemn oath-plight, that never I spake suchwords."Answered the Lord of Rhineland: "Give that assurance thou.Let the oath that thou hast tendered be spoken before these now.So shalt thou of treacherous dealing be acquitted, and stand withoutstain."Then made they the proud Burgundians in a ring draw round thesetwain.His hand stretched Siegfried the dauntless to the hand of the Kingto swear;But Gunther spake: "Thine utter guiltlessness here I declareOut of mine heart's assurance. Thou goest of this charge free.That whereof Kriemhild accused thee never was done of thee."

Then yet again spake Siegfried: "And if ever my wife reap joyOf her sowing for Lady Brunhild this seed of heart-annoy,This unto me of a surety shall be nought but measureless grief."Then looked on each other the good knights with faces of glad relief."So must men's wives be governed," again spake Siegfried the thane,"That from all such arrogant speeches they may for ever refrain.Thou then to thy wife forbid them; this likewise to mine will I.For such overweening railing I take shame verily."

But by reason of words once spoken fair ladies held them apart.And the Lady Brunhild sorrowed with such sore anguish of heartThat in all her affliction afflicted were Gunther's vassal-train.Then went in Hagen of Troneg to commune with the Queen of her pain.And he asked of her what ailed her, that weeping he found her there;And she told him the shameful story. A grim oath straightway hesware:"For this shall the lord of Kriemhild to the uttermost atone,Or never hereafter joyance by Hagen shall be known!"

Joined in their plotting were Gernot and Ortwein, Metz's lord."Death unto Siegfried!" the heroes counselled with one accord.Then Giselher, child of Uta, did these into council take;But swiftly against their sentence the lad true-hearted spake:"Alas, good knights, now wherefore would ye do so black a deed?Never such ruthless hatred hath Siegfried earned for meedThat e'er he should pay you forfeit of the precious life for this!By very nothings enkindled is the wrath of a woman, I wis.""Shall men say that we rear his bastards?" cried Hagen savagely:"It should bring right little honour unto good knights such as we!The name of our Lady belovèd hath he blasted with arrogant breath!If his life for the slander atone not, myself will die the death!"

Then the King's self spake: "Nay, nothing hath he done to us untothis daySave lovingkindness and honour: let him therefore live, I say.What boots it that I should harbour hatred of this good knight?Loyally aye hath he helped us, and hath had therein his delight."Then the Knight of Metz, Lord Ortwein, made answer passion-hot:"Though passing-great be his prowess, it shall verily help him not:I will wreak on him deadliest vengeance, so my Lord will but sufferme."So the heroes imagined mischief against him causelessly.

Yet further went none with the matter, save that Hagen ever and ayeIn season and out of season, still unto Gunther would say:"If but Siegfried live no longer, lordships many shall comeUnder thine hand." The spirit of the King was wrapped in gloom.But awhile the matter rested. Men jousted even as before:Strong spear-shafts many they shivered from afront of theminster-doorUp the broad green space to the palace, escorting Siegfried's wife.But of Gunther's liegemen were many that lowered on the joyousstrife.

Spake the King: "Put away for ever the murderous hate ye nurse.He was born to be honour and profit to us, and nowise a curse;Yea also, so battle-resistless is the marvellous hero's hand,That, if aught he divined of your purpose, before him should no manstand.""That shall he never," said Hagen. "Beware thou reveal it not!With secrecy so deadly will I handle the matter, I wot,That to him shall the weeping of Brunhild be Ruin's baleful breath.Evermore unto him shall Hagen be Hate and the Shadow of Death!"

But spake unto him King Gunther: "How then may ye compass the deed?"Thereunto answered Hagen: "Hearken to this my rede:There shall ride into this land heralds, as it were from a land afar,Men known unto none in thy city, denouncing against us war.Then say thou in these guests' presence: 'Lo, I must forth to thefightWith all my warrior vassals'--then is thy goal in sight.He will offer himself for thine helping: thereby shall he spill hislife,If I win but his woundless secret from the fearless hero's wife."Alas and alas! and he hearkened unto Hagen's evil wile;And these twain fell to devising of treachery and guile--These two knights chivalrous-nurtured!--ere any divined their intent.So through two women's wrangling to their death many heroes weresent.

Words in this poem 88

tourney v. i.: To perform in tournaments; to tilt. [Cf.OF. torneier. See Tourney, n.]
tush interj.: An exclamation indicating check, rebuke, or contempt; as, tush, tush! do not speak of it.
haply adv.: By hap, chance, luck, or accident; perhaps; it may be.
outshine v. i.: To shine forth.
wherefore adv.: For which reason; so; -- used relatively. [Where + for.]
goodly a.: Pleasant; agreeable; desirable. [OE. godlich, AS. g. See Good, and Like.]
sooth a.: True; faithful; trustworthy. [OE. soth, AS. s, for san; akin to OS. s, OHG. sand, Icel. sannr, Sw. sann, Dan. sand, Skr. sat, sant, real, genuine, present, being; properly p. pr. from a root]
chiefest a.: First or foremost; chief; principal. [Superl. of Chief.]
meed v. t.: To reward; to repay. Waytt.
twain a.: Two;- nearly obsolete in common discourse, but used in poetry and burlesque. [OE. twein, tweien, tweyne, AS. twegen, masc. See Two.]
knightly a.: Of or pertaining to a knight; becoming a knight; chivalrous; as, a knightly combat; a knightly spirit. [AS. cnihtlic boyish.]
triumphing a.: Having or celebrating a triumph; victorious; triumphant.
jest n.: A deed; an action; a gest. [OE. jeste, geste, deed, action, story, tale, OF. geste, LL. gesta, orig., exploits, neut. pl. from L. gestus, p. p. of gerere to bear, carry, accomplish, perfor]
entreat v. t.: To treat, or conduct toward; to deal with; to use. [OE. entreten to treat, request, OF. entraiter to treat of; pref. en- (L. in) + traitier to treat. See Treat.]
bounden a.: Bound; fastened by bonds. [Old. p. p. of bind.]
needs adv.: Of necessity; necessarily; indispensably; -- often with must, and equivalent to of need. [Orig. gen. of need, used as an adverb. Cf. - wards.]
forego v. t.: To quit; to relinquish; to leave. [See Forgo.]
aught n.: Property; possession. [AS. , fr. agan to own, p. p. ahte.]
shalt: 2d per. sing. of Shall.
folk n.: In Anglo-Saxon times, the people of a group of townships or villages; a community; a tribe. [AS. folc; akin to D. volk, OS. & OHG. folk, G. volk, Icel. f, Sw. & Dan. folk, Lith. pulkas crowd, and perh. to E. follow.]
honour n.: Esteem due or paid to worth; high estimation; respect; consideration; reverence; veneration; manifestation of respect or reverence. [OE. honor, honour, onour, onur, OF. honor, onor, honur, onur, honour, onour, F. honneur, fr. L. honor, honos.]
shall v. i.: To owe; to be under obligation for. [OE. shal, schal, imp. sholde, scholde, AS. scal, sceal, I am obliged, imp. scolde, sceolde, inf. sculan; akin to OS. skulan, pres. skal, imp. skolda, D. zullen,]
malapert a.: Bold; forward; impudent; saucy; pert. [OF. malapert unskillful, ill-taught, ill-bred; mal ill + apert open, adroit, intelligent, L. apertus, p. p. of aperire to open. See Malice, and Aperient.]
quotha interj.: Indeed; forsooth. [For quoth'a, said he, 'a being corrupted from he.]
burgundy n.: An old province of France (in the eastern central part).
happed p. a.: Wrapped; covered; cloaked. [From 1st Hap.]
betwixt prep.: In the space which separates; between. [OE. betwix, bitwix, rarely bitwixt, AS. betweox, betweohs, betweoh, betwih; pref. be- by + a form fr. AS. twa two. See Between.]
liar n.: A person who knowingly utters falsehood; one who lies. [OE. liere. See Lie to falsify.]
splendour n.: Great brightness; brilliant luster; brilliancy; as, the splendor ot the sun. B. Jonson. [L. fr. splendere to shine: cf. F. splendeur.]
sheen v. i.: To shine; to glisten.
araby n.: The country of Arabia.
royally adv.: In a royal or kingly manner; like a king; as becomes a king.
therebefore adv.: Before that time; beforehand.
dame n.: A mistress of a family, who is a lady; a womam in authority; especially, a lady. [F. dame, LL. domna, fr. L. domina mistress, lady, fem. of dominus master, ruler, lord; akin to domare to tame, subdue. See Tame, and cf. Dam mother, Dan, Danger]
winsome a.: Cheerful; merry; gay; light-hearted. [AS. wynsum, fr. wynn joy; akin to OS. wunnia, OHG. wunna, wunni, G. wonne, Goth. wunan to rejoice (in unwunands sad), AS. wunian to dwell. Win, v. t., Wont, a.]
gorgeous a.: Imposing through splendid or various colors; showy; fine; magnificent. [OF. gorgias beautiful, glorious, vain, luxurious; cf. OF. gorgias ruff, neck handkerchief, and F. gorge throat, and se pengorger to assume airs. Cf. Gorge, n.]
wealth n.: Weal; welfare; prosperity; good. [OE. welthe, from wele; cf. D. weelde luxury. See Weal prosperity.]
magnifical a.: Grand; splendid; illustrious; magnificent. 1 Chron. [L. magnificus; magnus great + facere to make: cf. F. magnifique. See Magnitude, Fact. and cf. Magnificent.]
thereat adv.: At that place; there.
angry a.: Troublesome; vexatious; rigorous. [See Anger.]
hast: , 2d pers. sing. pres. of. Fave, contr. of havest.
leman n.: A sweetheart, of either sex; a gallant, or a mistress; -- usually in a bad sense. Chaucer. Spenser. [OE. lemman, legman; AS.leóf dear + mann man. See Lief, and Man.]
wile n.: A trick or stratagem practiced for insnaring or deception; a sly, insidious; artifice; a beguilement; an allurement. [OE. wile, AS. wil; cf. Icel. v, væl. Cf. Guile.]
loathly adv.: Unwillingly; reluctantly.
caitiff a.: Captive; wretched; unfortunate. [OE. caitif, cheitif, captive, miserable, OF. caitif, chaitif, captive, mean, wretched, F. chétif, fr. L. captivus captive, fr. capere to take, akin to E. heave.]
reinless a.: Not having, or not governed by, reins; hence, not checked or restrained.
nowise adv.: Not in any manner or degree; in no way; noways. [For in no wise. See Wise, n.]
straightway adv.: Immediately; without loss of time; without delay.
foully v.: In a foul manner; filthily; nastily; shamefully; unfairly; dishonorably.
saith: 3d pers. sing. pres. of Say.
girt v. t.: To gird; to encircle; to invest by means of a girdle; to measure the girth of; as, to girt a tree. [From Girt, n., cf. Girth, v.]
lovingly adv.: With love; affectionately.
joyless a.: Not having joy; not causing joy; unenjoyable.
wifely a.: Becoming or life; of or pertaining to a wife. [AS. wiflic.]
fain v. t.: To be glad ; to wish or desire.
withal adv.: With this; with that. [With + all.]
abasement n.: The act of abasing, humbling, or bringing low; the state of being abased or humbled; humiliation. [Cf. F. abaissement.]
didst: , the 2d pers. sing. imp. of Do.
plight v. t.: To weave; to braid; to fold; to plait. [OE. pliten; probably through Old French, fr. LL. plectare, L. plectere. See Plait, Ply.]
dauntless a.: Incapable of being daunted; undaunted; bold; fearless; intrepid.
whereof adv.: Of which; of whom; formerly, also, with which; -- used relatively.
reap n.: A bundle of grain; a handful of grain laid down by the reaper as it is cut. Wright. [Cf. AS. rip harvest. See Reap, v.]
measureless a.: Without measure; unlimited; immeasurable.
sorrowed a.: Accompanied with sorrow; sorrowful.
went n.: Course; way; path; journey; direction.
commune n.: The commonalty; the common people. [F., fr. commun. See Common.]
uttermost a.: Extreme; utmost; being; in the farthest, greatest, or highest degree; as, the uttermost extent or end. [From Utter, a.; cf. Utmost, and Outermost.]
atone v. t.: To set at one; to reduce to concord; to reconcile, as parties at variance; to appease.
hereafter adv.: In time to come; in some future time or state. [AS. hræfter.]
joyance n.: Enjoyment; gayety; festivity; joyfulness. [OF. joiance.]
ruthless a.: Having no ruth; cruel; pitiless.
savagely adv.: In a savage manner.
blasted a.: Blighted; withered.
harbour n.: A station for rest and entertainment; a place of security and comfort; a refuge; a shelter. [OE herbor, herberwe, herberge, Icel. herbergi (cf. OHG. heriberga), orig., a shelter for soldiers; herr army + bjarga to save, help, defend; akin to AS. here ar]
loyally adv.: In a loyal manner; faithfully.
prowess n.: Distinguished bravery; valor; especially, military bravery and skill; gallantry; intrepidity; fearlessness. Chaucer. Sir P. Sidney. [OF. proece, proesce, F. prouesse. See Prow, a.]
wreak v. i.: To reck; to care.
awhile adv.: For a while; for some time; for a short time. [Adj. a + while time, interval.]
afront adv.: In front; face to face. [Pref. a- + front.]
strife n.: The act of striving; earnest endeavor. [OF. estrif. See Strive.]
resistless a.: Having no power to resist; making no opposition.
beware v. t.: To avoid; to take care of; to have a care for.
evermore adv.: During eternity; always; forever; for an indefinite period; at all times; -- often used substantively with for.
thereunto adv.: Unto that or this; thereto; besides.
rede v. t.: To advise or counsel. [See Read, v. t.]
afar adv.: At, to, or from a great distance; far away; -- often used with from preceding, or off following; as, he was seen from afar; I saw him afar off. [Pref. a-.(for on or of) + far.]
spill n.: A bit of wood split off; a splinter. [sq. root170. Cf. Spell a splinter.]
woundless a.: Free from wound or hurt; exempt from being wounded; invulnerable.

Definitions and etymologies from Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913.

About this text

Adventure XIV: How the Queens spake bitter Words Each unto Other is in the public domain. This text is taken from The Lay of the Nibelung Men, Project Gutenberg ebook #59831, the Arthur S. Way translation; the transcription's header, footer and licence were removed and nothing else was changed. You may copy, print and reuse it freely.

Cite as: Anonymous, Adventure XIV: How the Queens spake bitter Words Each unto Other, in The Lay of the Nibelung Men (1911), text of Project Gutenberg ebook #59831, Laurel, https://laurelpoetry.com/poem/nibelungenlied/adventure-xiv-how-the-queens-spake-bitter-words-each-unto-ot.html, id L14295.

Form and metre

Adventure XIV: How the Queens spake bitter Words Each unto Other is 288 lines in 21 verse paragraphs. It is in rhyming couplets, 53% of the lines. 80% of its stressed syllables fall where the metre puts the beat. The lines average 13.3 syllables. 19 lines end on an unstressed syllable, a feminine ending. 26% of the lines run on without a stop at the line end.

See other poems in rhyming couplets.

Measured by Laurel's pipeline, not copied from a handbook: how stress and metre are counted, how rhyme is lettered, how a drifted rhyme is found. Where the dictionary cannot confirm a rhyme the letter is withheld, not guessed.

Rhyme words, stanza by stanza

The word that ends each line, lettered by the rhyme it makes; a dash is a line whose rhyme the dictionary could not confirm.

1 AABCBC-C sport^A · court^A · hours^B · their^C · bowers^B · near^C · a · peer^C
2 AABBCCD-DEEFFG-GH-HI-I knight^A · right^A · be^B · he^B · son^C · done^C · there^D · may · compare^D · outshine^E · mine^E · will^F · still^F · sooth^G · for · truth^G · worth^H · on · earth^H · meed^I · peer · indeed^I
3 AABBCCDDEEF-F despite^A · right^A · beheld^B · quelled^B · triumphing^C · king^C · confessed^D · jest^D · me^E · be^E · friend^F · have · end^F
4 AA--BBCCDDEEFFF- claim^A · fame^A · lord · word · earth^B · worth^B · king^C · imagining^C · thane^D · twain^D · denied^E · pride^E · reply^F · high^F · me^F · unquenchably
5 AABBCCDD-C-EEA-AD-D shown^A · throne^A · seen^B · queen^B · free^C · be^C · know^D · go^D · burgundy · see^C · little · great^E · hate^E · known^A · mine · own^A · go^D · shall · so^D
6 AABBCCDDEEFFG-GHH cried^A · abide^A · attire^B · liar^B · rare^C · there^C · queen^D · sheen^D · rhine^E · shine^E · door^F · therebefore^F · befell^G · could · tell^G · old^H · manifold^H
7 --AABBCCDDE-E stood · mood · maid^A · arrayed^A · wear^B · air^B · ten^C · then^C · say^D · array^D · bedight^E · for · despite^E
8 AA-BB---CC-DDEEFF--GGHH gate^A · hate^A · rang · keen^B · queen^B · mood · right · good · wantoning^C · king^C · lips · burst^D · first^D · lord^E · whored^E · all^F · thrall^F · is · this · snared^G · dared^G · thou^H · now^H
9 AABBCC--D-DD-- more^A · door^A · beget^B · wet^B · song^C · long^C · brood · good · stay^D · whole · say^D · a^D · sword · word
10 AABBBCCDDB---- place^A · space^A · see^B · me^B · me^B · go^C · lo^C · lay^D · day^D · me^B · treachery · hath · ta'en · twain
11 A-ABBCCDD i^A · honour · high^A · waist^B · embraced^B · ware^C · fair^C · then^D · men^D
12 AA-BCCDDDEEFBBGGF-F straightway^A · day^A · queen · been^B · head^C · said^C · thee^D · i^D · be^D · fain^E · complain^E · shame^F · sin^B · herein^B · lost^G · cost^G · name^F · thou · claim^F
13 AABBCCDDEECC thou^A · now^A · netherland^B · command^B · disquieted^C · said^C · known^D · shown^D · death^E · breath^E · bed^C · said^C
14 AA---BB-C-CADDEE thing^A · slandering^A · lords · such · words · thou^B · now^B · without · stain^C · these · twain^C · king^A · swear^D · declare^D · free^E · thee^E
15 AABBCC-- joy^A · annoy^A · grief^B · relief^B · thane^C · refrain^C · i · verily
16 AABBC-CDD apart^A · heart^A · train^B · pain^B · there^C · he · sware^C · atone^D · known^D
17 AABBCCDD--EE lord^A · accord^A · take^B · spake^B · deed^C · meed^C · this^D · wis^D · savagely · we · breath^E · death^E
18 -AABBCC--- unto · day^A · say^A · knight^B · delight^B · hot^C · not^C · suffer · me · causelessly
19 ----A-AB-B aye · say · come · gloom · before^A · the · door^A · wife^B · joyous · strife^B
20 AAB-B--CC nurse^A · curse^A · hand^B · man · stand^B · not · wot · breath^C · death^C
21 AA---BB-CCDDE-E deed^A · rede^A · afar · war · the · fight^B · sight^B · his · life^C · wife^C · wile^D · guile^D · intent^E · were · sent^E

Scansion, line by line

Each line with its syllable count and the stresses the words themselves fix: / stressed, ˘ unstressed, · a syllable the word leaves free and the metre decides. How this is done.

Line	Syl.	Stress
It befell, ere it rang unto vespers, that the clash of joyous sport	17	·˘/·····/˘····/˘·
Came up through the palace-casements from many a knight in the court	17	····/˘····/˘·····
As they fell to the gallant tourney to wing with mirth the hours.	16	·····/˘/˘·····/˘
From the hall men hasted to watch them, and maidens from their	14	····/˘····/˘··
bowers.	2	/˘
There sat those Queens together, queens famous far and near,	13	····˘/˘·/˘···
And of two knights still were they thinking, two knights without a	14	·······/˘·····
peer.	1	·
Then spake Kriemhild the lovely: "My lord is such a knight	13	·····/˘······
That beneath him all these kingdoms might well be bowed as of right."	15	······/˘·······
Answered the Lady Brunhild: "Tush! how may such thing be?	13	/˘·/˘········
If there lived on the earth no mortal save only thou and he,	15	·······/˘·/˘···
Then haply might this kingdom be subject to Siegmund's son;	14	·/˘··/˘·˘/·/˘·
But so long as Gunther liveth, may such thing never be done."	15	····/˘·····/˘··
Thereto made answer Kriemhild: "Dost mark how stands he there?	13	˘/·/˘········
With the princely pride of his presence none other knight may	14	··/˘···/˘·/˘··
compare,	2	˘/
As the full moon in her brightness doth all the stars outshine.	14	······/˘····/·
Wherefore for good cause ever glad heart and proud is mine."	13	/˘···/˘······
But again made answer Brunhild: "Be he goodly as ye will,	15	·˘/·/˘····/˘···
And stately and noble-hearted, one standeth above him still,	15	·/˘·/˘/˘·/˘····
Gunther, the flower of knighthood, thine high-born brother: in sooth,	15	/˘·/˘·/····/˘··
High stands he above all earth-kings, and this thou knowest for	14	···········/˘·
truth."	1	·
But again made answer Kriemhild: "My lord is of such high worth,	15	·˘/·/˘·········
That with fullest right have I praised him for the mightiest man on	16	··/˘·······/˘˘··
earth.	1	·
In many a thing is he worthy of honour's chiefest meed.	15	·/˘····/˘·/˘/˘·
Doth thine heart not tell thee, Brunhild, he is Gunther's peer	13	··········/˘·
indeed?"	2	˘/
"Now this my word, O Kriemhild, take not as said in despite,	14	············˘/
In that I say that my boasting is made of fullest right.	14	······/˘···/˘·
This said they both--I heard it, when first these twain I beheld	14	············˘/
In the day when in my contests my will by the King's was quelled,	15	······/˘·······
When he won my love, in fashion so knightly triumphing,	14	······/˘·/˘/˘˘
Siegfried himself said, 'Vassal am I unto Gunther the King.'	15	/·˘/·/˘····/˘··
Therefore I hold him his liegeman: of himself I heard it confessed."	16	······/˘·˘/···˘/
Made answer Kriemhild the lovely: "For me 'twere a bitter jest!	15	·/˘···/˘····/˘·
How like were my noble brethren so to have dealt with me	14	····/˘/˘······
That they should abase me ever the bride of a vassal to be!	16	···˘/·/˘····/˘··
Therefore will I, O Brunhild, entreat thee even as a friend--	15	·······˘/·/˘···
For courtesy's sake, and my love's sake, let this thy babble have	15	·/˘˘········/˘·
end."	1	·
Made answer the Queen: "I may not refrain me from this my claim.	15	·/˘·····˘/·····
Am I like to renounce the service of all these knights of fame	15	····˘/·/˘······
Which, even as thine, be bounden to homage unto my lord?"	15	·/˘···/˘·/˘····
Then the anger of Kriemhild the lovely leapt into flame at the word:	17	··/˘····/˘·······
"This boast, thou must needs forego it, that my lord ever on earth	15	·····˘/····/˘··
Hath rendered thee aught of homage! Mine hero is more of worth	15	·/˘···/˘·/˘····
Than thy lord, my brother Gunther, be he never so noble a king.	17	····/˘/˘··/˘·/˘··
Thou therefore shalt spare me the hearing of thy fond imagining.	16	·······/˘···˘/˘˘
Yea, needs must I marvel ever, if he be thy vassal-thane,	15	····/˘/˘····/˘·
And thou be exalted so highly in worship above us twain,	16	···˘/˘·/˘·/˘····
Wherefore so long all tribute to thee hath of him been denied!	15	/˘···/˘······˘/
Of right I demand to be pestered no more with thine arrogant pride."	17	···˘/··/˘····/˘˘·
"Too high dost thou exalt thee," Queen Brunhild made reply:	13	····˘/·····˘/
"Now will I prove of a surety if folk account thee as high	16	······/˘˘··˘/···
In royal esteem and honour as they hold the Queen, even me!"	16	·/˘˘/·/˘·····/˘·
By this was the two Queens' anger kindled unquenchably.	14	······/˘/˘····
Flashed out her answer Kriemhild: "Soon shall the issue be shown,	14	···/˘·····/˘··
Since thou darest to claim my Siegfried for a vassal of thy throne!	16	·······/···/˘···
By all the two Kings' barons this day shall it be seen	13	·····/˘······
If I dare or dare not enter the minster before the Queen!	15	······/˘·/˘····
I will show unto thee right plainly that noble am I and free!	16	·······/˘·/˘····
I will prove my lord more worthy than thine may ever be!	14	······/˘···/˘·
Yea I, even I, will brook not thy malapert insults!--know,	15	··/˘·····/˘˘˘/·
This day shalt thyself behold it, how thy vassal--quotha!--shall go	16	···˘/˘/···/˘/˘··
In royal procession leading her knights in Burgundy.	14	·/˘˘/˘/˘···/˘˘
Mine head shall be higher than ever it hath happed unto any to see	18	····/˘·/˘·····/˘··
The head of a Daughter of Princes--though a crown make the little	16	····/˘·/˘·····/˘
great!"	1	·
By this betwixt those ladies exceeding stern was the hate.	14	··˘/·/˘˘/˘····
Fiercely made answer Brunhild: "Wouldst not for a vassal be known?	15	/˘·/˘······/˘··
Then of sore need must thou sever thyself with thy train from mine	15	······/˘˘/·····
own,	1	·
When subject and Queen in procession on to the minster go."	15	·˘/···˘/˘···/˘·
"Of a truth," laughed scornfully Kriemhild, "doubt not but it shall	14	··············
be so!"	2	··
"Now array yourselves, my maidens," to her damsels Kriemhild cried.	15	·˘/˘/·/˘··/˘···
"Let see if unshamed I may not within this land abide!	14	············˘/
Be it seen to-day if ye have not royal-rich attire.	15	·········/˘·˘/˘
Soon shall the lie be given to herself by Brunhild the liar!"	16	·····/˘·˘/····/˘
Small need was to urge them: raiment they sought out rich and rare.	14	······/˘······
Swiftly radiant in splendour stood matron and maiden there.	15	/˘/˘˘·/˘·/˘·/˘·
Now with the train of her handmaids paced to the minster the Queen--	15	···········/˘··
But lo, cometh Kriemhild the lovely, a very glory-sheen,	15	··/˘···/˘·/˘/˘·
With maidens three-and-forty, which had fared with her unto Rhine:	15	·/˘··/˘········
In loveliest loomwork, woven in Araby, did they shine.	15	······/˘·/˘˘···
So royally swept the maidens up to the minster-door;	14	·/˘˘··/˘···/˘·
And for her the vassals of Siegfried were waiting therebefore.	16	····/˘·/··/˘····
Then looked the people, and marvelled for what cause this befell	14	···/˘·˘/····˘/
That they saw the Queens from each other sundered, and none could	14	·······/˘/˘···
tell	1	·
Wherefore they walked not together side by side as of old.	14	/˘···˘/˘······
--Thence came unto many a baron affliction manifold.	15	····/˘·/˘˘/˘/˘·
Even as in front of the minster the wife of Gunther stood,	15	/˘·····/˘···/˘·
And the gallant knights Burgundian made sport in frolic mood	15	··/˘·˘/˘˘···/˘·
With them of the Queen's train-royal, fair dame and winsome maid,	14	······/˘···/˘·
Came thither the Lady Kriemhild with her troop all splendour-arrayed.	16	·/˘·/˘······/˘˘/
What raiment soever the daughter of a noble knight might wear,	16	·/˘˘/˘·/˘··/˘···
By the gorgeous attire of her maidens had all been as empty air.	18	··/˘˘/˘··/˘····/˘·
Her wealth was so all-unmeasured that wives of kings thrice ten	14	··············
Never had shown such splendour as was flaunted by Kriemhild then.	15	/˘···/˘··/˘····
How much he desired soever, no man had dared to say	15	···˘/˘˘/˘······
That in all his days he had gazed on such royal-rich array	15	··········/˘·˘/
As shone in that hour on her maidens magnifical-bedight.	16	····/˘··/˘····˘/
Never Kriemhild had done it, but to render to Brunhild despite for	17	/˘·······/˘···˘/·
despite.	2	˘/
Each face to face met other at that wide minster-gate;	13	·····/˘···/˘·
And thereat the wife of Gunther in her jealousy and hate	15	·˘/···/˘··/˘˘··
Cried out, "Stand still, thou Kriemhild!"--her rage in her voice rang	13	·············
keen--	1	·
"It beseems not the wife of a vassal to pass before a Queen!"	16	········/˘······
Swift answer made Kriemhild the lovely in angry and scornful mood:	16	·/˘····/˘·/˘·/˘·
"Hadst had but the grace to be silent, for thee had it been right	15	·······/˘······
good.	1	·
Thou!--thou hast on thy fair body brought shame by wantoning!	14	······/˘···/˘˘
How might another's leman ever be wife of a King?"	14	··˘/˘/˘/˘·····
"Whom hast thou here named leman?"--the cry from the Queen's lips	13	·····/˘······
burst.	1	·
"That have I thee!" hissed Kriemhild; "for thy fair body first	13	··········/˘·
Was embraced by none other than Siegfried, mine own belovèd lord.	15	·˘/··/˘·/······
Of a surety it was not my brother--nay, but by him wert thou whored!	18	··/˘˘····/˘·······
How was thy wit so hoodwinked?--a cunning wile was it all!	14	·····/··/˘····
How couldst thou let him embrace thee who is but thy vassal-thrall?	15	·····˘/·····/˘·
I hear thee," scoffed on Kriemhild, "complain where no cause is!"	13	·······˘/····
"In veriest deed," cried Brunhild, "I will tell unto Gunther this!"	15	············/˘·
"Wherein unto me is the peril? Thyself hath thine arrogance snared!	17	·······/˘˘/··/˘˘·
To summon me to render homage to thee hast thou dared!	14	·/˘··/˘/˘·····
This one thing know of a surety--I grieve, but the cause art thou--	16	······/˘˘·······
All trust and friendship is ended between us for ever now."	15	···/˘·/˘····/˘·
Brake Brunhild forth into weeping: but Kriemhild tarried no more,	14	······/˘······
And before the wife of Gunther she entered the minster-door,	15	······/˘·/˘·/˘·
She and her train. Most bitter hate did her words beget.	13	·····/˘····˘/
Therefrom bright eyes full many were grief-overclouded and wet.	15	˘/···/˘········
For all the solemn service, and the holy chant and song,	14	···/˘/˘··/˘···
That hour of worship to Brunhild lasted all too long;	14	·/˘·/˘···/˘···
She was heart-overclouded with anguish, and darkly did she brood;	16	········/˘·/˘···
And for this full penalty lighted on warriors brave and good.	16	····/˘˘/˘·/˘˘···
In front of the gate of the minster with her maids did Brunhild stay;	16	·······/˘·······
And she said to her heart: "Now Kriemhild unto me shall the whole	15	···············
truth say	2	··
Of those loud-throated railings, who hath whetted her tongue like a	15	···/˘/˘··/˘····
sword.	1	·
If Siegfried thus hath vaunted, his life shall pay for the word!"	14	·/···/˘·······
Now Kriemhild with bold knights many came forth of the holy place;	15	······/˘····/˘·
And sharply spake Queen Brunhild: "Abide thou there for a space!	14	·/˘····˘/·····
Thou hast chosen to call me leman: the proof thereof will I see.	16	··/˘···/˘·······
Thy word, know thou, is an evil and a loathly word to me."	15	······/˘··/˘···
Spake Kriemhild the Fair: "It were better for thee hadst thou let me	15	·······/˘······
go!	1	·
With the golden ring I prove it on mine hand that glittereth--lo!	16	··/˘········/˘˘·
Unto me did Siegfried bring this what time by thy side he lay."	15	····/··········
Never had dawned on Brunhild such an utter-wretched day.	14	/˘·······/˘/˘·
She cried: "This gold ring royal--even this was stolen from me!	15	·····/˘/˘··/˘··
It hath been for long years hidden by caitiff treachery!	14	······/˘·/˘/˘˘
I am now on the track of the felon, the thief that my jewel hath	17	········/˘····/˘·
ta'en!"	1	·
Raging in reinless fury were now these ladies twain.	13	/˘·/˘/˘···/˘·
Spake Kriemhild again: "Of thy jewel the thief was nowise I.	15	···˘/··/˘···/˘·
Far better hadst thou kept silence, hadst thou held thine honour	14	·/˘···/˘····/˘
high!	1	·
Lo, I prove it again by the girdle which compasseth my waist.	16	····˘/··/˘·/˘˘··
Not I am the liar!--by Siegfried first was thy body embraced."	16	····/˘·/····/˘˘/
Fair-plaited of silk of the Orient was the girdle that she ware,	17	·/˘····/˘···/˘···
With precious stones thick-studded, a marvel passing fair.	13	·/˘··/˘·/˘/˘·
That Brunhild beheld, and she brake forth into stormy weeping then,	16	···˘/······/˘/˘·
Crying, "This shall be known of Gunther and of all his mighty men!"	16	/˘·····/˘····/˘·
Then spake the Queen of Rhineland: "Send unto me straightway	13	·····/·····/˘
Gunther the Lord of the Kingdom, for he shall hear this day	14	/˘····/˘······
How foully his sister hath slandered and spoken shame of the Queen.	16	·/˘·/˘·/˘·/˘····
She saith before all people that Siegfried's wife have I been."	14	·····/˘·/·····
The King came girt with his barons: he saw the grief-bowed head	14	······/˘······
And the tears of his dear wife Brunhild, and lovingly he said:	15	··········/˘˘··
"Of whom, my wife, my belovèd, hath a hurt been done unto thee?"	15	···············
And she spake to the King, and she answered: "Joyless for aye must I	16	········/˘/˘····
be!	1	·
Of all my wifely honour this thy sister is fain	13	···/˘/˘··/˘··
To strip me by shameful accusing: unto thee I must needs complain.	17	····/˘˘/˘······˘/
She saith that with Siegfried her husband I have wantoned in shame	15	····/··/˘··/˘··
and sin."	2	··
Answered and spake King Gunther: "She hath wickedly done herein!"	15	/˘···/˘··/˘˘·˘/
"She weareth here my girdle, which long time since I lost,	13	·/˘··/˘······
And withal my ring of the red gold--O me, to my bitter cost	16	·˘/··········/˘·
Was I born, and I rue it ever! If thou clear not my name	15	·······/˘······
From the stain of such utter abasement, my love never more shalt thou	17	·····/˘˘/˘··/˘···
claim."	1	·
Then spake to a lord King Gunther: "Summon him hither thou.	14	······/˘/˘·/˘·
If he of such deed have boasted, he must make confession now,	15	······/˘···˘/˘·
Or must give to the lie denial, this hero of Netherland."	16	······˘/˘·/˘·/˘˘
So unto that presence Siegfried was called by the King's command.	15	····/˘/······˘/
So then when the good knight Siegfried saw faces disquieted,	15	······/··/˘˘/˘˘
And the cause thereof divined not, straightway he spake and said:	14	·····˘/·/˘····
"Now wherefore weep these ladies? This unto me make known;	13	·/˘··/˘······
And wherefore the King hath called me hither, be this too shown."	14	·/˘·····/˘····
Then spake King Gunther: "Sorrow I find here bitter as death.	14	···/˘/˘···/˘··
The Lady Brunhild hath told me a tale of venomous breath,	15	·/˘········/˘˘·
Even this, that thou hast vaunted that thou in bridal bed	14	/˘····/˘···/˘·
First didst embrace her. Of Kriemhild thy wife is this thing said."	14	··˘/··········
Made answer the hero Siegfried: "If Kriemhild hath said this thing,	15	·/˘·/˘/········
I will take no rest or ever she rue her slandering!	14	······/˘···/˘˘
Yea, and thereof will I clear me in presence of all thy lords	15	·········/˘····
By the faith of my solemn oath-plight, that never I spake such	15	·····/˘···/˘···
words."	1	·
Answered the Lord of Rhineland: "Give that assurance thou.	13	/˘···/···˘/˘·
Let the oath that thou hast tendered be spoken before these now.	15	······/˘·/˘····
So shalt thou of treacherous dealing be acquitted, and stand without	17	····/˘˘/˘·˘/˘····
stain."	1	·
Then made they the proud Burgundians in a ring draw round these	15	·····˘/˘˘······
twain.	1	·
His hand stretched Siegfried the dauntless to the hand of the King	14	···/··/˘······
to swear;	2	··
But Gunther spake: "Thine utter guiltlessness here I declare	14	·/˘··/˘·····˘/
Out of mine heart's assurance. Thou goest of this charge free.	13	····˘/˘······
That whereof Kriemhild accused thee never was done of thee."	14	·····˘/·/˘····
Then yet again spake Siegfried: "And if ever my wife reap joy	15	··˘/·/···/˘····
Of her sowing for Lady Brunhild this seed of heart-annoy,	15	··/˘·/˘······˘/
This unto me of a surety shall be nought but measureless grief."	17	······/˘˘····/˘˘·
Then looked on each other the good knights with faces of glad relief.	16	····/˘····/˘··˘/
"So must men's wives be governed," again spake Siegfried the thane,	14	·····/˘˘/·/···
"That from all such arrogant speeches they may for ever refrain.	16	····/˘˘/˘···/˘˘/
Thou then to thy wife forbid them; this likewise to mine will I.	15	·····˘/··/·····
For such overweening railing I take shame verily."	14	······/˘···/˘˘
But by reason of words once spoken fair ladies held them apart.	16	··/˘···/˘·/˘··˘/
And the Lady Brunhild sorrowed with such sore anguish of heart	15	··/˘··/˘···/˘··
That in all her affliction afflicted were Gunther's vassal-train.	16	····˘/˘˘/˘·/˘/˘·
Then went in Hagen of Troneg to commune with the Queen of her pain.	17	···/˘····/˘······
And he asked of her what ailed her, that weeping he found her there;	15	·········/˘····
And she told him the shameful story. A grim oath straightway he	15	·····/˘/˘···/˘·
sware:	1	·
"For this shall the lord of Kriemhild to the uttermost atone,	15	··········/˘˘˘/
Or never hereafter joyance by Hagen shall be known!"	14	·/˘˘/˘/˘·/˘···
Joined in their plotting were Gernot and Ortwein, Metz's lord.	14	···/˘····/˘/˘·
"Death unto Siegfried!" the heroes counselled with one accord.	14	···/··/˘/˘··˘/
Then Giselher, child of Uta, did these into council take;	15	············/˘·
But swiftly against their sentence the lad true-hearted spake:	14	·/˘···/˘···/˘·
"Alas, good knights, now wherefore would ye do so black a deed?	14	˘/···/˘·······
Never such ruthless hatred hath Siegfried earned for meed	13	/˘·/˘/˘·/····
That e'er he should pay you forfeit of the precious life for this!	15	······/˘··/˘···
By very nothings enkindled is the wrath of a woman, I wis."	16	·/˘/˘·······/˘··
"Shall men say that we rear his bastards?" cried Hagen savagely:	15	·······/˘·/˘/˘˘
"It should bring right little honour unto good knights such as we!	15	····/˘/˘·······
The name of our Lady belovèd hath he blasted with arrogant breath!	18	···/˘/˘····/˘·/˘˘·
If his life for the slander atone not, myself will die the death!"	16	·····/˘˘/··/····
Then the King's self spake: "Nay, nothing hath he done to us unto	15	······/˘·······
this day	2	··
Save lovingkindness and honour: let him therefore live, I say.	14	·/˘˘·/˘·······
What boots it that I should harbour hatred of this good knight?	14	······/˘/˘····
Loyally aye hath he helped us, and hath had therein his delight."	16	/˘˘···········˘/
Then the Knight of Metz, Lord Ortwein, made answer passion-hot:	14	······/˘·/˘/˘·
"Though passing-great be his prowess, it shall verily help him not:	16	·/˘···/˘··/˘˘···
I will wreak on him deadliest vengeance, so my Lord will but suffer	17	·····/˘˘/˘·····/˘
me."	1	·
So the heroes imagined mischief against him causelessly.	16	··/˘˘/˘/˘·······
Yet further went none with the matter, save that Hagen ever and aye	17	·/˘····/˘··/˘/˘··
In season and out of season, still unto Gunther would say:	15	·/˘···/˘···/˘··
"If but Siegfried live no longer, lordships many shall come	14	··/···/˘··/˘··
Under thine hand." The spirit of the King was wrapped in gloom.	14	·····/˘·······
But awhile the matter rested. Men jousted even as before:	16	·˘/·/˘/˘·/˘/˘···
Strong spear-shafts many they shivered from afront of the	13	···/˘·/˘·˘/··
minster-door	3	/˘·
Up the broad green space to the palace, escorting Siegfried's wife.	15	·······/˘/˘˘/··
But of Gunther's liegemen were many that lowered on the joyous	17	··/˘····/˘·/˘··/˘
strife.	1	·
Spake the King: "Put away for ever the murderous hate ye nurse.	16	····˘/·/˘·/˘˘···
He was born to be honour and profit to us, and nowise a curse;	17	·····/˘·/˘···/˘··
Yea also, so battle-resistless is the marvellous hero's hand,	17	·/˘·/˘˘/˘·····/˘·
That, if aught he divined of your purpose, before him should no man	16	····˘/··/˘······
stand."	1	·
"That shall he never," said Hagen. "Beware thou reveal it not!	15	···/˘·/˘˘/·˘/··
With secrecy so deadly will I handle the matter, I wot,	16	·/˘˘·/˘··/˘·/˘··
That to him shall the weeping of Brunhild be Ruin's baleful breath.	16	·····/˘····/˘/˘·
Evermore unto him shall Hagen be Hate and the Shadow of Death!"	17	/˘·····/˘····/···
But spake unto him King Gunther: "How then may ye compass the deed?"	16	······/˘····/˘··
Thereunto answered Hagen: "Hearken to this my rede:	13	···/˘/˘/˘····
There shall ride into this land heralds, as it were from a land afar,	17	·······/˘······˘/
Men known unto none in thy city, denouncing against us war.	16	·······/˘˘/˘····
Then say thou in these guests' presence: 'Lo, I must forth to the	14	······/˘······
fight	1	·
With all my warrior vassals'--then is thy goal in sight.	14	···/˘˘/˘······
He will offer himself for thine helping: thereby shall he spill his	16	··/˘˘/··/˘······
life,	1	·
If I win but his woundless secret from the fearless hero's wife."	16	·····/˘/˘··/˘/˘·
Alas and alas! and he hearkened unto Hagen's evil wile;	16	˘/·˘/······/˘/˘·
And these twain fell to devising of treachery and guile--	14	·····˘/˘·/˘˘··
These two knights chivalrous-nurtured!--ere any divined their intent.	16	···/˘˘/˘·/˘˘/·˘/
So through two women's wrangling to their death many heroes were	16	···/˘/˘˘···/˘/˘·
sent.	1	·

The reader shows the same poem with its rhymes coloured and a stress row above each line, the notes beside their stanzas, and any word's definition on a tap; the analysis page takes the whole book apart. How every part of this site was made.

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The Lay of the Nibelung Men