THE JOURNEY.

One day when the king was playing with little Ortlieb, and speaking to

his mother, he said how much he that the child should one day be

a hero like Siegfried. She nearly when she the name, but

forcing herself to be quiet, her husband to her brothers

and their friends to come on a visit to the land of the Huns. It was

the that she had made, and so King Etzel was

overjoyed to it. He the Swemmeling and

Wörbeling, with four and twenty warriors, to the

Burgundian kings to the Midsummer festival. And Chriemhild sent a

special message to her mother, her to come too. In of

Hagen's remonstrances, the three kings Etzel's invitation.

Hagen prepared for the as though they were setting out on a

campaign, and not to a feast. The Lady Ute would have liked to go, but

her age and her taking so long a journey. Brunhild

also at home, for she had no to see her enemy's good

fortune; besides, she had long up for festivals; she only

cared to her time near Siegfried's grave-mound.

"The Nibelungs are going to visit the Huns," said the common people, as

they King Etzel's visitors the Rhine; for, since

the had come into the country, the kings and their followers

had been called Nibelungs, after the unknown land.

The travellers for twelve days through the Black Forest and many

waste places, till they the Danube. At the borders of Bavaria

neither was to be found. While the made

preparations to for the night, Hagen into the

inhospitable land, and came to a that ran into a small lake.

There he saw some in the clear water, and at once knew

that they were swan-maidens. Seeing him, they away, but he got

possession of their garments, which them to speak to

him.

"Give us our garments," said one of them, "and I will tell you of

the future."

He promised to do as she desired, if she would tell him how their

journey should end. She then to him, and the

hero gave all the swan-garments. No sooner had he done this, than

another of the him that her sister had spoken of

guile, for that, from the happy she had foretold, the

priests alone of all that company should see the Rhine

again; as for the warriors, they should all die by the sword, if they

did not at once return home. Hagen answered that he was to defend

himself and his kings, and then asked how to the river. The

swan-maidens him where he should a ferryman, and then

flew away.

Hagen the him, and his company to

the ferry. The out to be an old enemy, so after a

hand-to-hand encounter, he was slain, and Hagen took his place. When

they were across the river, Hagen the priest, who

accompanied them, overboard, that at least one of the

swan-maiden's might come to nought. But he had miscalculated

in this instance; the priest's him on the

turbulent waters, and the him to the shore.

"The man has the devil's own luck," said the warrior. "I care

not, however. What must be, will be, as the Norns used to say."

The travellers their more than before.

At length, after meeting with adventures, they at

Margrave Rüdiger's castle, where they met with a from

their old friend and his wife. During their visit to Bechelaren,

Giselher in love with Dietelinde, the only of the

house, and her through his brother. So, according to old custom,

the and the were called to appear the whole company

in the great of the castle, and say they were to

be man and wife. Giselher did not for a moment. His "yes" was

loud and clear. But Dietelinde blushed, and looked down, and her

whispered "yes" was only in response to a second demand. Then

Giselher her in his arms, and gave her the of betrothal.

The was therefore sealed for life.

The Burgundians, or Nibelungs as they were called, remained

at Bechelaren for many days, and when they away, their host

pressed all manner of gifts upon them. Hagen to receive

anything in the way of ornament, and only for a shield

that on the other pieces of armour.

"It is Nudung's shield, and he, our only son, was by faithless

Wittich," said the Margravine; "take it, hero, and may it guard

you well."

The travellers their journey, and at the land of the

Huns, on the borders of which they were met by Dietrich and many other

warriors. Accompanied by these, and by Rüdiger they at length arrived

at Etzelburg. The queen came to meet them in the court. She

greeted the kings, and Giselher, but to

see the who them. Hagen was angry, and said,-

"When one comes as an guest, one is to one's

host at least say ‘Welcome.' This not to

obtain in the land of the Huns."

"Lord Hagen of Tronje," said Chriemhild, "have you done anything to

gain such greeting? Have you, perchance, me some of the stolen

Nibelung treasure?"

"It in the Rhine," the warrior, "and there it

will till the end of time. But had I that you a

gift, I am rich to have you one."

"I can do without it," said the queen, "I too am rich; I only thought

you might have to to me my own again."

"I my shield, helmet, sword, and of a enough

weight to carry," the hero, "but I promise to try and you

the devil. _He_ has much rich treasure."

"I do not need your gifts," the queen, "nor do I them. You

have me in time past with your and thievish

hand. I have not yet you for what you have already done for

me."

She away in anger, and calling her men-at-arms around her,

promised to Siegfried's death.

The queen then asked her to themselves of their armour,

as it was not to appear in the of King

Etzel. Hagen at once them not to do so, them of the

consequences in plain terms.

Chriemhild exclaimed, that she would give much to know he

was in this matter; then the Amelung hero came forward, and

boldly that it was he who had this counsel, for he knew

well the plots that were being in the palace. The

queen only answered him with an angry look, and at once retired to her

apartments.

While the kings talked together in the fashion, the Hunnish

warriors looked at the Burgundians. Hagen, of showing

that he no fear, asked one of his to go with him to the

inner to the of the queen. His familiar friend,

Volker the minstrel, himself ready. They seated themselves on

a bench near the queen's hall. As they sat there-Hagen with his good

sword Balmung across his knees-Chriemhild came the steps,

and asked him why he had her so, and why he had the noble

Siegfried.

"Well," he said, "I that I did it. The queen of Burgundy

was for his sake, and the house dishonoured. The shame

had to be out with blood, and as the hero was too to

attack in the open field, he had to be by cunning. Any one may

blame me, any one may to the deed, I am not afraid. I

have no cap of darkness, and am easily to be found."

Then Chriemhild to her serving-men, and them to the

slanderer of their queen, and the of Siegfried.

But the two men were so terrible to look upon, that none of the

Huns touch them, although the queen offered them much gold. They

then their way, and the queen returned to her apartments, blushing

with shame.

A message now came from King Etzel the Burgundians to visit him

in his palace. They the invitation, and he them like

old friends. After having the heroes, he said that he should

very much like to know who the two were that looked so brave,

and so close together.

"They are Volker the minstrel, and my uncle Hagen of Tronje," replied

King Gunther.

"What, Hagen!" Etzel. "So we have met again at last, old friend,

and I can tell you to your that you have not the promise of

your youth. But you are much in your looks from what you were

in the old days when I was proud of your in my service, and

set you free, to return to Burgundy. You have an since then,

your is mixed with grey, and your has so that

you might the when you your broadsword."

"Who can tell," the hero, "how soon I may have to do it again?"

"Never in the land of the Huns," answered the king; "you, like all

Burgundians, are a guest."

The passed quietly, and it was nearly midnight the

Burgundians were to the great hall, where were spread for

them with with gold embroidery. They with

Hagen that it would be well to keep watch the night for of

surprise, and that each man should place his where he get

them at a moment's notice.

Hagen and Volker guard. They had been seated for some time in

silence, when all at once the saw and glancing

in the starlight. He pointed them out to his companion, who that

they were the queen's men, and needed no telling to him on what

errand they were come. The wanted to out upon them, but

Hagen him, some of the enemy might then have slipped

into the hall, and their sleeping friends. So peace

was for the time; and at dawn, the Burgundians to the

sanctuary to keep the Midsummer festival. King Etzel appeared

with his train, and asked, in astonishment, why they their armour.

But they answered that such was their custom, not it well to

tell him what had the night.

After the service was over, a great was served, which was in

turn succeeded by games, dances, music, and other entertainments. In

all of arms and of skill in the lists, the Nibelungs

showed themselves men than the Huns. At length the games

appeared to be over, and the to after their

exertions. As they were the of contest, a of the

Huns presented himself in armour, and offered to try his skill

against the strangers, who, he alleged, had only measured

their with the common people, and not with the princes. Bold

Volker his more in his hand, and to accept

the challenge. His was so that he the Hun

severely, and a of "Murder, with the murderer!" on every

side. A free would have in another minute, had not King

Etzel himself the belligerents, and death to

any of his people who one of his guests. Peace was then outwardly

restored; but the each on the other, showed

the angry in every heart.

That evening, Etzel sent for his little son into the hall, that he

might present him to his guests. The all the handsome,

frank-mannered child, and told the father that they did so; but Hagen

said he did not think the boy would live to up, he looked so

delicate.

This speech of Hagen's the of the Huns towards

the Burgundians tenfold; but no one his thoughts. A little

later, a great noise was in the without-shouts, the clang

of armour, and cries.

THE FIRST BLOOD. BLÖDELIN AND DANKWART

Before the to the that evening, Queen Chriemhild

had spoken privately to the hero of Bern. She promised him Etzel's help

in his kingdom, if he would do her one service-if he would

avenge Siegfried's death. But he told her that he not, for the

Burgundian were old friends and of his; besides, he

reminded her, that they had come to Etzelburg in all good and

loyalty. A minutes after Dietrich had left her sad and hopeless,

Blödelin, Etzel's brother, came in, and told the queen of what had

happened that in the ground. Seeing how his anger

was, Chriemhild she might succeed in him over

to her cause. She therefore told him of the death of

Siegfried, and promised him a rich of and gold if he

would do her will. But he refused, from of Etzel's anger. Upon

which, the wise woman offered him a in addition, with lands

and towers, and the hand of a of her court, he

had long wooed, and in vain. These promises him to her

will. He told her that he would a to up between

the men on either side, and if Hagen came to try and settle matters, he

would have him overpowered, and to the queen in bonds.

Chriemhild then retired to her chamber, which was by a soft

light, the of Indian off the of the sun. As

she sat there thinking, the that her mother had once spoken

rushed into her memory. "Women often and more

blood with their than men with their swords." She would have

started up, and Blödelin; but at the same moment she saw, as

distinctly as if it had been there, Siegfried's with the

dead upon it. She saw him himself, and stretch

out his arms to her; but when she started to meet him, there

was nothing but empty air. She now to go on to the bitter

end. Whether her about the death of her little son,

and of King Etzel; it about the of the

kingdom, she did not care. She die, and die willingly, if only

she had the murderer's life.

Meantime, Blödelin was making his preparations. His men were rejoiced

to the news he them, and him to the

hall, where Dankwart the Marshal, Hagen's brother, had over the

serving-men. The hero rose from his seat to the prince, who

exclaimed:

"Prepare to die. The queen a for the death of

the great Siegfried."

"But why should I have to a of which I nothing?"

"That cannot be helped," said the Hun; "my men's cannot return

unstained to their sheaths."

"Then I am sorry that I gave you of peace. I shall now give you

your answer with cold steel."

With that he his sword, and it so at the warrior's

neck that his to the ground at one blow.

Wild and of arose, and all prepared to take

part in the that had inevitable. Dankwart his way

fighting to the hall, his with blood; but the

defenceless serving-men were to a man.

"Up, Hagen!" he cried, "save me from the Huns. Lord

Blödelin me and the servants, in order to avenge

Siegfried's death. I him, but the are all dead, and I

alone am out of the that the Huns have laid

for us."

THE SLAUGHTER.

The in the hall, in of all King

Gunther's to over, and the the

little Prince Ortlieb, the of Etzel's house, was killed. At

length Hagen, Dankwart, and Volker, succeeded in locking and bolting

the doors of the hall.

Etzel and the queen sat full of the _mêlée_.

Dietrich and Rüdiger, neither of took part in the fight, were also

grave and sad. At length the hero of Bern exclaimed:

"Listen to me, Nibelungs. Hearken to my words, ye friends of Burgundy.

Grant me a that I and my men and Margrave Rüdiger may go away

unharmed."

King Gunther Dietrich's voice, and said: "If any of my

warriors has done to you or yours, hero of Bern, I shall

take your into my own hands."

"No one has done me harm," the warrior; "all that I is

that you should let us go freely."

"What is the good of so much requesting?" hot-headed Wolfhart;

"we have keys to the doors with, if a thousand such

as these Nibelungs to keep them shut."

"Hush! hush! comrade," said Dietrich; "there was but little

sense in that speech of yours."

King Gunther then his people to open the door, and much to

the of the Burgundians, Dietrich passed through their ranks with

Chriemhild on one arm and King Etzel on the other, and followed

by his six hundred warriors. After them came Rüdiger with four hundred

men. Giselher said to the Margrave:

"Greet your from me, and say to her that I shall think of her

even in death."

Many of the Huns to with King Etzel, but Volker cut them

down as they to pass the door.

No sooner were Dietrich and Rüdiger safely gone than the horrible

carnage recommenced. The Burgundian had no rest, until all the

Huns were or on the floor. After that the Nibelungs

rested from their labours, but Hagen called them to be

up and doing, and the out, they should be in the way

in any attack. He was at once obeyed. The and Huns

were one and all into the below.

Volker and Hagen now the entrance, the enemy should

unexpectedly in.

While Etzel his hands, and over the of so many

good men and true, Chriemhild offered a full of gold and jewels

to her foe, Hagen of Tronje. Of all who her,

one alone came and said that he would try and do her will. And

he was Count Iring of Daneland, Haward's man.

He and performed of valour, but at length

was back, and under Chriemhild's window.

Haward and Irnfried of Düringen (Thuringia) to bold

Iring, so they called out their men and to the attack. The fight

began at the door, where Irnfried under the minstrel's sword, and

immediately Haward was by the hero of Tronje. But

still the men of Daneland and Düringen on unheeding, and Hagen

exclaimed,-

"Give place. Let them go through the door, out of which they shall

never come alive. Volker shall play them a slumber-song to which

our can the accompaniment."

So the Nibelungs opened their ranks, and the men of Daneland and

Düringen entered the blood-stained hall. Once more the began.

Many a Burgundian to no more; but not one of their

enemies alive.

THE PARLEY AND THE FIRE.

Silence on the palace. The Nibelung their

shields and armour, that they might the from their

labours, while Hagen and Volker watch by the door. During this

time of quiet, the Burgundians to make peace. They King

Etzel that they had come to his land at his own invitation, and relying

on his good faith, only to meet with from him and his. But

Etzel that the Burgundians should him their feudal

superior. Then Giselher to his sister and asked what he had

ever done her that she should in such a way. And the women,

who were for their husbands and sons, him that all

his life had been in doing good to others. Chriemhild was touched

by his appeal, and told him that he, Gunther, and Gernot should go free

with all their and men-at-arms if only they would give up the

murderer Hagen, that she might him as he deserved. But with one

voice the Nibelungs terms which were in their

eyes.

Enraged at the of her foes, the queen called upon the Huns to

make one more assault, and drive them out of the house. Again the

bitter began. Chriemhild no more compassion. She commanded

her to set fire to the upper part of the house, which was

built of wood, and soon the were over the whole

roof, which at length with a crash. A wild of creatures

in their last the fall. After that the queen retired

to her own apartments, and at the window the house

where her and their friends must have been burnt, thought

sadly and over the past. Only remorsefully, for

she her as full of to Hagen as it had been.

Meanwhile the Nibelungs had not in the flames, as Chriemhild

fondly imagined. The great in which they had entrenched

themselves was too to have much from the fire

in the upper storey; though the Burgundians were for a long time

as if up in an oven, the was so terrific; they yet escaped

with their lives; and Hagen them their thirst by

drinking the blood of their enemies.

When the Huns at length came to look for their bodies, they

were not a little to themselves by six

hundred and warriors.

SLAUGHTER AGAIN.-THE LORD OF BECHELAREN.

The queen with that the Nibelungs were still alive

and for a new fight. While she what it were best to do,

one of the Hunnish told her that she should apply for help,

either to the Margrave of Bechelaren, who had so many benefits

from the king, or to Dietrich of Bern, who had Etzel's

hospitality so long as a fugitive. Chriemhild the good,

and at once sent off a message to Rüdiger.

The Margrave the queen's summons. Etzel

explained to him the true position of affairs, and him of all

the that had been upon him, told him the time was come

to prove his gratitude. He must the Nibelungs for the great

scath they had to the house and to the land of the Huns.

"My liege," said the good old hero sadly, "all that you have said is

true, and I am to do you any service, dangerous, but do

not ask that I should the I to them when they stayed

with me at Bechelaren, I them to Etzelburg at your command.

They me utterly, and Giselher my to be his

wife, and to the Burgundian throne. Methinks it were an deed

to my hand against them that me."

When the king him of his of allegiance, he continued,-

"Take my and towns, the that you have me, and

the I have for myself. I will go into the

wide world with my wife and child, and what is my best wealth, Honour

and Truth."

"Nay, Margrave, but you cannot do so," the queen, "if you

fail in obedience. Think of the time when you came to Burgundy to woo

me for Etzel. I to go alone the Huns, where I

had not a friend or helper, and you to me with a that

you would help me against every adversary, your lord. Your

sworn to me is older than that which you promised to the

Nibelungs. If you your to me, you are dishonoured."

Rüdiger in the queen. At length he said,-

"Take my head. I shall not when the executioner's sword

touches me. But do not me to do what my disallows."

The a good while longer. At length Rüdiger with a

heavy to the king and queen.

The Nibelungs by the window looking out for help. On the

noble Margrave approach with his men, Giselher that

all was not lost, that they should see Bechelaren and the Rhine again.

When Rüdiger came close to the door he his errand. Gunther

reminded him of the they had sworn, and Rüdiger answered

sadly that the he had to Etzel's wife him now to

fight her battle. And so they took of each other, as noble

friends to against their will. Once more the blood of the

Nibelungs and their the great hall. The of

battle in every heart, and many men were slain. Amongst the

number were Rüdiger and Gernot. At length the men of Bechelaren were

conquered, and to the very last man. Two hundred Nibelungs also

fell this victory was gained.

The were in the wide hall. They the of voices

in the without. The queen's voice was in indignation, as

she the Margrave Rüdiger of playing the false and

making peace with the Nibelungs. Volker's anger was at this

unjust suspicion. Leaning out of the window, he told her not to vex

herself on that score, a good man falsely, for the hero of

Bechelaren had died her. He then the Margrave's body

to be at the window, so that the king and queen and all the Huns

should see it. Etzel a loud of horror, and the hand

that had done the deed. He called for his sword, that he might himself

lead the of avengers, but he to it when he saw

that terrible pair (Hagen and Volker) still the threshold.

Chriemhild looking on with arms. She was as

ever, but it was now the of a angel. She a tears

for the of her old friend Rüdiger. Perhaps also she feared

that he was her last ally. She may have by

any means she might yet her end. But be that as it may, the next

events were by her as by every one else.

DIETRICH AND HIS AMELUNGS.

One of Dietrich's men what had happened. He to his

master and told him the tale. Dietrich to it,

and sent Helfrich to the to out the truth. On the

news of Rüdiger's death confirmed, the hero of Bern sent his old master

Hildebrand to ask the Nibelungs why they had done this deed.

The master would have gone upon this errand, but Wolfhart cried

out upon the of appearing as a in the presence of wolves.

The master the good, and put his on. When he was

on the way, he saw that all Dietrich's men were him

well-armed, under Wolfhart's guidance. He his quick-tempered

nephew to go back, but the point-blank, saying that he

could not let his uncle go alone; and the other warriors, one and all,

declined to him. When the small of five hundred men

came in of the house the Nibelungs were defending, Master

Hildebrand his shield, and asked if it were true that good

Margrave Rüdiger was dead. Hagen answered that they it were

untrue, but it not be helped, for he had been in

unavoidable fight. The Amelungs for their friend.

Wolfhart would have him on the spot, but the master him

back, him with Dietrich's anger if he himself into

the quarrel. Then, to the Nibelungs, he in the name of

the hero of Bern that the Margrave's should be over to

them, that they might give him burial. King Gunther replied

that it was a good and on their part, and one that ought

to be gratified. Wolfhart called to them to make and out

the body, upon which Volker said that they were too to do more

work, so the Amelungs might come in and it.

One word to another, till Wolfhart his altogether, and

rushed forward, by the Amelungs, as with one voice

their war-cry. Master Hildebrand, on in the rush,

was in a place when the began. The tired

Nibelungs, and the Amelungs-men who had by

side in the great of Ravenna, and on many other fields-were now

engaged in hand-to-hand for life and death. Here was strong

Sigestap, of Bern, there Helfrich, there the heroes

Wolfwin, Wolfbrand, Helmnot, Ritschart, and others, all to

avenge the death of Rüdiger. The was so great that often

those who to meet not each other. Thus Volker and

Wolfhart were apart; the upon Sigestap, who had

slain many of the Burgundians, and gave him his death-blow, only to

meet Hildebrand a little later and himself to under his hand.

Dankwart was by Helfrich; Wolfhart did many a of valour,

until Giselher him. After a struggle, the young

king him through the breast, but then, though in mortal

agony, he his in hands, and his adversary.

Old Hildebrand saw his nephew fall, and to him. He him

in his arms, and to him from that of doom; but he was

too heavy. The hero opened his once more, and said in a

faint voice,-

"Uncle, tell our friends not to for me, for I have met my death at

the hands of a king, as he has at mine. My wild blood has grown

calm and still, and I am to sleep peacefully like a child."

These were the last of the wildest, in Dietrich's

train. Like Wolfhart, all the other of the hero of Bern, save

Hildebrand alone, on the floor; and with them all

the Burgundians, Hagen and King Gunther.

"Come now, Master Hildebrand," a voice, "you me

satisfaction for the death of my Volker."

It was Hagen that spoke. The his bravely, but the

hero of Tronje was and determined, and Balmung was sharp. One

terrible cut through Hildebrand's of mail, and the blood

flowed from his side.

THE END OF THE NIBELUNGS.

When the old man the wound, and looked in the grim, rugged

countenance of his antagonist, for the time in all his long life

fear took of him, and his with his shield, he

fled like a coward.

With armour, and red with his own blood, and that of others,

the old man came his master. Dietrich asked he had

fought with the Nibelungs, and why he was so wet with blood. Then

Hildebrand told how the Burgundians had the good Rüdiger, and had

declined to give up his for burial.

The hero of Bern was so by these tidings, that he asked no

further questions; he the old man to his to arm

themselves at once.

"Whom shall I command?" asked the master.

"The of Bern are all here. You, my lord, and I, are all that

remain of them; and of the Nibelungs, Hagen and King Gunther are the

only ones alive."

At Dietrich did not understand, and when he did, he aloud

for his friends and comrades.

"How my men have under the of these tired

warriors? Who will now help me to the land of the Amelungs?"

So he in his distress. But soon, his emotion, the

hero prepared to his friends, and, by the

master, full-armed to the house where Hagen and Gunther awaited

their with courage.

Hagen and Hildebrand so many when they met,

that Dietrich them for a of old women, and that

the should at once begin. Hagen without delay.

Balmung was as as it had been, and the hero of Bern had much

trouble to himself; but the hand that the was

weary, and less than of yore. Dietrich, this, a

sudden upon Hagen, him down, and him fast. Then he

bore his into the presence of Chriemhild, and him

to her mercy, saying that he was the and in the

whole world. He only noticed the thanks and she gave him for his

doughty deed, and did not mark the in her eyes, rightly

interpret the that rose to her cheeks. He away to the

last with King Gunther.

Chriemhild had her end: that end to which she had through

rivers of blood. Hagen read his in her eyes; but he never

flinched: he would not give her that dear satisfaction. She wondered

whether she make him where he had the Nibelung

treasure. She spoke to him kindly, and promised to let him go safely

home, if he would only tell her the hiding-place. The hero seemed

touched by her gentleness, and said that he would tell her,

but that he had to keep the as long as one of the three

kings of Burgundy was alive.

She promised him again that she would keep her word, if he did her

will; and then had him taken away to sure watch and ward.

"Lies, lies, all lies," he said to himself, as his him away.

The hero of Bern soon appeared with King Gunther as a

prisoner; the was at once taken to a Chriemhild

considered what was now to be done. Siegfried's were now in

her hands, the man who had done the deed, and the king who had

condoned it.

She a of when she that Gunther was,

after all, her brother; but she soon them, and pursued

the path she had marked out for herself. King Gunther's was cut

off by her orders, and at Hagen's to him that now

the last king of Burgundy was dead.

The hero away the contemptuously. "It was not thou," he

said, "to I allegiance, and I to keep

free from stain. The house of Burgundy, to which I belonged, is

wasted, and its overthrown. Of what to me is the of

life that remains?"

That night Chriemhild had a happy dream. She that Siegfried

stood her as she had him first; that he out his

arms to her in love and gratitude, and then slowly in the grey

dawn.

Next Chriemhild seated herself King Etzel in all her

robes of state. The hero of Tronje was her, a prisoner,

and in bonds. She questioned him again as to the hiding-place of the

treasure. Raising his head, he answered with all his boldness:

"You are mistaken, woman, if you think that you have my mind in your

power, that you have me entirely. The kings are all now,

Gunther, Gernot, Giselher; now none but God and I know where the

treasure was in the of the Rhine, and from me you

shall learn where you may with any of finding."

Chriemhild came from the throne, and up the good

sword Balmung that Hagen's armour.

"You took good of the gold you from me," she said, "but

another thing that you I have in my hands at this moment. My

noble husband Siegfried this when last I saw him, he

fell under your hand. I will now try it be strong

enough to its master."

She had the from its sheath, and now it with both

hands, and with such that the was cut from the body, and

fell at the of old Hildebrand.

A of through the hall, then all was still. Chriemhild

thrust the into its sheath, and said,-

"This blood may be from the blade. Balmung must be taken

to Worms as it is, and in Siegfried's grave. Perhaps he may then

learn that his wife loved him faithfully, and his murderer.

Two alone up my life: Love and Revenge. My work is done."

"Strange," said Hildebrand, at the hero's head,

"that the in all the world should have been by a

woman! But although he me much of late, I will yet him."

So saying, the old master his sword, and gave the queen her

death-blow. Etzel out, and himself on his beside

his wife. She was pale, and had only to rather

than speak,-

"Let none touch the old master for this," she said, and they were her

last words.

[Illustration]

[Illustration]