The Nibelungenlied by William Whobrey

Author:William Whobrey [Whobrey, William]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781624666759
Publisher: Hackett Publishing Company, Inc.
Published: 2018-02-28T20:00:00+00:00

30. Hagen and Volker Stand Guard

[1818] The day had come to an end, and night had fallen. The weary warriors were thinking about when they could get to bed and get some rest. Hagen brought up the subject, and an answer was soon forthcoming.

[1819] Gunther said to his host, “May God grant you a long life. We would like to retire now. Please give us permission to do so, and if you like, we can return in the morning.” Etzel parted with his guests in good spirits.

[1820] The guests were being jostled on all sides, so bold Volker said to the Huns, “What’s gotten into you, why are you stepping on everyone’s feet? Back off, or you’ll be sorry. [1821] I’ll give each of you a stroke of my bow so hard that your loved ones will be moved to tears. When will you all finally make room for real warriors? Not soon enough. Everyone’s a warrior here, but I think some more than others.”

[1822] After the fiddler had vented his anger, bold Hagen looked behind him. He said, “The bold poet knows what he’s talking about. You heroes of Kriemhild, you should all go to bed now. [1823] I don’t think anyone is going to actually do what you’ve planned. If you want to start something, then come back again in the morning, and give us foreigners some peace and quiet tonight. I think that’s the way it has always worked among heroes.”

[1824] The guests were taken to a large hall that had been prepared for the warriors with costly beds that were long and wide. Lady Kriemhild intended {149} to do them great harm there. [1825] They could see many beautiful sheets along with lustrous materials from Arras and bed covers of Arabian silk, which is the best silk by far. These were decorated with strips of wonderfully sparkling material. [1826] Many of the blankets were fur, both ermine and black sable, and they rested comfortably through the night until the light of day. A king and his household had never before had such an exquisite resting place.

[1827] “These night lodgings be damned,” said young Giselher, “as are my comrades who have come with us. As much as my sister invited us in friendship, I’m afraid that we will all owe our deaths to her.”

[1828] “Stop worrying,” said Hagen. “I’ll take the first watch myself tonight. I have faith in my ability to keep us all safe and sound until daytime, so have no fear. After that, everyone can look out for himself.”

[1829] They all bowed to him showing him their gratitude and then went to bed. It didn’t take long before the strong men had all settled in. Hagen, the bold hero, armed himself.

[1830] Volker the fiddler spoke up, “If you don’t mind, Hagen, I’d like to stand guard with you tonight until daybreak.” The hero kindly thanked Volker.

[1831] “May God in heaven reward you, dear Volker! Given all my cares, there’s no one I’d rather have at my side in time of need than you.

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