Waltarius: Pars Prima

Omnipotens genitor, summae virtutis amator,
lure pari natusque amborum spiritus almus,
Personis trinus, vera deitate sed unus,
Qui vita vivens cuncta et sine fine tenebis,
Pontificem summum tu salva nunc et in aevum               5
Claro Erckambaldum fulgentem nomine dignum,
Crescat ut interius sancto spiramine plenus,
Multis infictum quo sit medicamen in aevum.
Praesul sancte dei, nunc accipe munera servi,
Quae tibi decrevit de larga promere cura               10
Peccator fragilis Geraldus nomine vilis,
Qui tibi nam certus corde estque fidelis alumnus.
Quod precibus dominum iugiter precor omnitonantem,
Ut nanciscaris factis, quae promo loquelis,
Det pater ex summis caelum terramque gubernans.               15

Almighty Father, lover of highest virtue,
and gracious Spirit, born alike with both by one decree,
Three in Persons, yet one in true deity,
Who, living by Life, shalt hold all things without end,
Save now and evermore the supreme Pontiff               5
illustrious Erckambaldus, shining and worthy in name,
May he increase inwardly, full of holy breath,
thereby to be a medicine bestowed upon many for all ages.
Holy bishop of God, now receive the gifts of a servant,
which liberal care has ordained that you should take forth               10
the fragile sinner Geraldus, base in name,
who to you is surely known and is a faithful pupil in heart.
Which thing I continually beseech the all‑thundering Lord by prayers,
that you may obtain in deeds what I utter in words,
may the Father, ruling heaven and earth from on high, grant.               15

Serve dei summi, ne despice verba libelli,
Non canit alma dei, resonat sed mira tyronis,
Nomine Waltharius, per proelia multa resectus.
Ludendum magis est dominum quam sit rogitandum,
Perlectus longaevi stringit inampla diei. 20
Sis felix sanctus per tempora plura sacerdos,
Sit tibi mente tua Geraldus carus adelphus.

Servant of the highest God, do not despise the words of this little book,
The nurturing soul of God does not sing them, but they resound wondrously to novices,
By name Waltharius, cut through many battles.
This is rather to be enjoyed by the lord than to be begged of him,
Thoroughly read, it fills the ample hours of the long-lived day. 20
May you be happy, holy priest, through many more seasons,
May Gerald, your dear brother, be dear to your mind.

PARS PRIMA

PART ONE

Tertia pars orbis, fratres, Europa vocatur,
Moribus ac linguis varias et nomine gentes
Distinguens, cultu, tum relligione sequestrans.
Inter quas gens Pannoniae residere probatur,
Quam tamen et Hunos plerumque vocare solemus. 5
Hic populus fortis virtute vigebat et armis,
Non circumpositas solum domitans regiones,
Litoris oceani sed pertransiverat oras,
Foedera supplicibus donans sternensque rebelles.
Ultra millenos fertur dominarier annos. 10
Attila rex quodam tulit illud tempore regnum,
Impiger antiquos sibimet renovare triumphos.

The third part of the orb, brothers, is called Europe,
distinguishing peoples by various manners and languages and by name,
separating them by culture and then by religion.
Among whom a people is proved to dwell of Pannonia,
which yet we are accustomed mostly to call the Huns. 5
This people flourished in strength with virtue and arms,
not only taming regions placed about them,
but had traversed the shores of the ocean's littoral,
granting treaties to suppliants and laying low the rebellious.
They are said to have been ruled for more than a thousand years. 10
At that time King Attila bore that kingdom,
eager to renew for himself the triumphs of the ancients.

Qui sua castra movens mandavit visere Francos,
Quorum rex Gibicho solio pollebat in alto,
Prole recens orta gaudens, quam postea narro; 15

Who, moving his camp, commanded that the Franks be visited,
whose king Gibicho sat mighty upon a high throne,
rejoicing at a recently-born offspring, which I shall relate afterward; 15

Namque marem genuit, quem Guntharium vocitavit.
Fama volans pavidi regis transverberat aures,
Dicens hostilem cuneum transire per Hystrum,
Vincentem numero stellas atque amnis arenas.
Qui non confidens armis vel robore plebis 20
Concilium cogit, quae sint facienda, requirit.

For she bore a male, whom she called Guntharium.
Rumour flying transpierces the ears of the fearful king,
Saying that a hostile wedge crosses the Hystrum,
Victorious in number as many as the stars and the river’s sands.
Who, not trusting in arms nor in the robust strength of the people 20
Summons a council, enquiring what things are to be done.

Consensere omnes foedus debere precari
Et dextras, si forte darent, coniungere dextris
Obsidibusque datis censum persolvere iussum;
Hoc melius fore, quam vitam simul ac regionem 25
Perdiderint natosque suos pariterque maritas.
Nobilis hoc Hagano fuerat sub tempore tiro
Indolis egregiae, veniens de germine Troiae.
Hunc, quia Guntharius nondum pervenit ad aevum,
Ut sine matre queat vitam retinere tenellam, 30

They all agreed the treaty must be sought by prayer
And that right-hands, if perhaps they would give them, should be joined to right-hands,
And that with hostages given they were ordered to pay the census;
This would be better than that they should lose at once both life and region 25
and lose their sons and likewise their wives.
This Hagan had been noble in the season of youth,
of distinguished nature, coming from the stock of Troy.
This one, because Guntharius had not yet come to full age,
that he might be able, without a mother, to hold a tender life 30

Cum gaza ingenti decernunt mittere regi.
Nec mora, legati censum iuvenemque ferentes
Deveninnt pacemque rogant ac foedera firmant.
Tempore quo validis steterat Burgundia sceptris,
Cuius primatum Heriricus forte gerebat. 35
Filia huic tantum fuit unica nomine Hiltgunt,
Nobilitate quidem pollens ac stemmate formae.

They resolve to send a great treasure to the king.
Nor with delay; the envoys, bearing a tribute and the youth,
arrive and beg for peace and confirm the treaties.
At a time when Burgundy stood with powerful scepters,
Whose primacy Heriric by chance was bearing. 35
To this man there was but one daughter, named Hiltgunt,
indeed flourishing in nobility and in a lineage of beauty.

Debuit haec heres aula residere paterna
Atque diu congesta frui, si forte liceret.
Namque Avares firma cum Francis pace peracta 40
Suspendunt a fine quidem regionis eorum,
Attila sed celeres mox huc deflectit habenas,
Nec tardant reliqui satrapae vestigia adire.
Ibant aequati numero, sed et agmine longo.

This heir ought to have resided in the paternal hall
And long enjoy the stores amassed, if perchance it were permitted.
For when a firm peace with the Avars and the Franks had been accomplished 40
They halt indeed at the border of their region,
But Attila soon turns his swift reins hither,
Nor do the remaining satraps delay to take up their tracks.
They marched matched in number, yet also in a long column.

Quadrupedum cursu tellus concussa gemebat, 45

The earth, shaken by the course of quadrupeds, groaned, 45

Scutorum sonitu pavidus superintonat aether.
Ferrea silva micat totos rutilando per agros:
Haud aliter primo quam pulsans aequora mane
Pulcher in extremis renitet sol partibus orbis.
Iamque Ararim Rodanumque amnes transiverat altos 50
Atque ad praedandum cuneus dispergitur omnis.

The sky, panic-struck, thunders above with the sound of shields.
An iron wood flashes, gleaming red throughout the whole fields: 50
Not otherwise than at first, when striking the seas at morn,
the fair sun gleams upon the farthest parts of the orb.
And now he had crossed the lofty rivers Arar and Rhodanus
And the whole cuneus is dispersed to plunder.

Forte Cabillonis sedit Heriricus, et ecce
Attollens oculos speculator vociferatur:
«Quaenam condenso consurgit pulvere nubes?
Vis inimica venit, portas iam claudite cunctas!» 55
Iam tum, quid Franci fecissent, ipse sciebat
Princeps et cunctos compellat sic seniores:
«Si gens tam fortis, cui nos similare nequimus,
Cessit Pannoniae, qua nos virtute putatis
Huic conferre manum et patriam defendere dulcem? 60

By chance Heriricus sat at Cabillonis, and behold
the lookout, lifting his eyes, cries aloud:
“What cloud rises with condensed dust?
A hostile host comes—shut now every gate!” 55
Already then the prince himself knew what the Franks had done
and thus addresses all the elders together:
“If a people so strong, whom we cannot equal,
has yielded Pannonia, which you suppose we by virtue could match,
will you lend your hand to this one and defend the beloved fatherland?” 60

Est satius, pactum faciant censumque capessant.
Unica nata mihi, quam tradere pro regione
Non dubito; tantum pergant, qui foedera firment.»
Ibant legati totis gladiis spoliati,
Hostibus insinuant, quod regis iussio mandat, 65
Ut cessent vastare, rogant. quos Attila ductor,
Ut solitus fuerat, blande suscepit et inquit:
«Foedera plus cupio quam proelia mittere vulgo.

It is better they make a pact and undertake tribute.
My only-born daughter, whom to hand over for the region
I do not doubt; only let those who confirm the foedera proceed.»
Envoys went, stripped of all their swords,
They approach the enemies with what the king’s command orders, 65
To ask that they cease to ravage. Whom Attila, the leader,
As he was wont, courteously received and said:
«I desire treaties more than to send battles among the common people.

Pace quidem Huni malunt regnare, sed armis
Inviti feriunt, quos cernunt esse rebelles. 70
Rex ad nos veniens dextram det atque resumat.»
Exivit princeps asportans innumeratos
Thesauros pactumque ferit natamque reliquit.
Pergit in exilium pulcherrima gemma parentum.
Postquam complevit pactum statuitque tributum, 75

The Huns indeed prefer to reign by peace, but with arms
they strike, unwilling, those whom they discern to be rebels. 70
The king, coming to us, give and take the right hand.»
The prince departed bearing away innumerable
treasures, and he delivers the pact and left the daughter.
She goes into exile, the most beautiful gem of her parents.
After he completed the pact and fixed the tribute, 75

Attila in occiduas promoverat agmina partes.
Namque Aquitanorum tunc Alphere regna tenebat,
Quem sobolem sexus narrant habuisse virilis,
Nomine Waltharium, primaevo flore nitentem.
Nam iusiurandum Heriricus et Alphere reges 80
Inter se dederant, pueros quod consociarent,
Cum primum tempus nubendi venerit illis.

Attila had advanced his hosts into the western parts.
For then Alphere held the kingdoms of the Aquitani,
whom men say had begotten a male scion of virile sex,
by name Waltharius, shining in the bloom of youth.
For Heriricus and King Alphere had given an oath between them, 80
that they would consociate (i.e., unite) the boys of each, when the first time of wedding should come to them.

Hic ubi cognovit gentes has esse domatas,
Coeperat ingenti cordis trepidare pavore,
Nec iam spes fuerat saevis defendier armis. 85
«Quid cessemus», ait, «si bella movere nequimus?
Exemplum nobis Burgundia, Francia donant.
Non incusamur, si talibus aequiperamur.

Here, when he learned these peoples to be tamed,
he began to tremble with a mighty fear of heart,
and now there was no hope to be defended by savage arms. 85
«Why should we cease», he said, «if we are unable to move wars?
Burgundy and France give us the example.
We will not be blamed, if we are matched by such things.

Legatos mitto foedusque ferire iubebo
Obsidis inque vicem dilectum porrigo natum 90

I send envoys, and will bid that a treaty be struck
I offer hostages and, in exchange, present my beloved son 90

Et iam nunc Hunis censum persolvo futurum.»
Sed quid plus remorer? dictum compleverat actis.
Tunc Avares gazis onerati denique multis
Obsidibus sumptis Haganone, Hiltgunde puella
Nec non Walthario redierunt pectore laeto. 95
Attila Pannonias ingressus et urbe receptus
Exulibus pueris magnam exhibuit pietatem
Ac veluti proprios nutrire iubebat alumnos.

And even now I will pay the census to the Huns.»
But why delay any further? he had completed the thing spoken with deeds.
Then the Avars, at last loaded with many treasures
With hostages taken — Haganon, the girl Hiltgunde —
And likewise to Waltharius they returned with joyful heart. 95
Attila, having entered Pannonia and received in the city,
Showed great pietas to the exiled youths
And, as if they were his own, ordered the pupils to be nurtured.

Virginis et curam reginam mandat habere,
Ast adolescentes propriis conspectibus ambos 100
Semper adesse iubet, sed et artibus imbuit illos
Praesertimque iocis belli sub tempore habendis.
Qui simul ingenio crescentes mentis et aevo
Robore vincebant fortes animoque sophistas,
Donec iam cunctos superarent fortiter Hunos. 105

He commands that the care of the maiden and the queen be maintained,
But he bids that both youths be ever in his own sight 100
He orders them always to be present, and also imbues them with arts,
And especially with the war-exercises to be held at the appointed time.
Who, growing together in natural gift and in years,
by vigour overcame and, brave in spirit, the sophists,
until at last they might bravely surpass all the Huns. 105

Militiae primos tunc Attila fecerat illos,
Sed haud immerito, quoniam, si quando moveret
Bella, per insignes isti micuere triumphos;
Idcircoque nimis princeps dilexerat ambos.
Virgo etiam captiva deo praestante supremo 110
Reginae vultum placavit et auxit amorem,
Moribus eximiis operumque industria habundans.
Postremum custos thesauris provida cunctis
Efficitur, modicumque deest, quin regnet et ipsa;
Nam quicquid voluit de rebus, fecit et actis. 115
Interea Gibicho defungitur, ipseque regno
Guntharius successit et ilico Pannoniarum
Foedera dissolvit censumque subire negavit.

Attila then had made them foremost in the military,
But not undeservedly, for whenever he waged wars,
through these distinguished men triumphs shone;
And therefore the prince had exceedingly loved both.
The captive virgin also, with the supreme God favoring, 110
Placated the queen’s visage and increased her affection,
Abounding in exemplary manners and the industry of her works.
At last she is made guardian of the treasures, provident for all,
So little is lacking that she herself might even reign;
For whatever she wished concerning affairs, she did and accomplished. 115
Meanwhile Gibicho died, and Guntharius himself succeeded to the kingdom
And forthwith dissolved the treaties of Pannonia and refused to undergo the tribute.

Hoc ubi iam primum Hagano cognoverat exul,
Nocte fugam molitur et ad dominum properavit. 120

When the exile Hagano had by now first learned this,
by night he contrives flight and hastened to the lord. 120

Waltharius tamen ad pugnas praecesserat Hunos,
Et quocumque iret, mox prospera sunt comitata.
Ospirin elapsum Haganonem, regia coniunx,
Attendens domino suggessit talia dicta:
«Provideat caveatque, precor, sollertia regis,               125
Ne vestri imperii labatur forte columna,
Hoc est, Waltharius vester discedat amicus,
In quo magna potestatis vis extitit huius;
Nam vereor, ne fors fugiens Haganonem imitetur.
Idcircoque meam perpendite nunc rationem:               130
Cum primum veniat, haec illi dicite verba:
«Servitio in nostro magnos plerumque labores
Passus eras ideoque scias, quod gratia nostra
Prae cunctis temet nimium dilexit amicis.
Quod volo plus factis te quam cognoscere dictis:               135

Waltharius, however, had gone before the Huns to the fights,
And whithersoever he went, soon prosperous things attended him.
Ospirin, the royal consort, observing Haganon having slipped away,
Suggested to the lord these words:
«Let the king’s prudence provide and beware, I pray,               125
Lest by chance the column of your empire be cast down,
That is, let your friend Waltharius depart,
In whom the great force of this power has stood forth;
For I fear lest Fortune, fleeing, should imitate Haganon.
Therefore weigh now my reasoning:               130
When he first comes, say these words to him:
«You have often suffered great labors in our service,
And therefore know that by our grace
Above all we have loved you too much, you yourself, among friends.
What I wish is rather to know you by deeds than by spoken words:               135

Elige de satrapis nuptam tibi Pannoniarum
Et non pauperiem propriam perpendere cures.
Amplificabo quidem valde te rure domique,
Nec quisquam, qui dat sponsam, post facta pudebit.»
Quod si completis, illum stabilire potestis.» 140
Complacuit sermo regi, coepitque parari.
Waltharius venit, cui princeps talia pandit,
Uxorem suadens sibi ducere; sed tamen ipse
Iam tum praemeditans, quod post compleverat actis,
His instiganti suggestibus obvius infit: 145
«Vestra quidem pietas est, quod modici famulatus
Causam conspicitis; sed quod mea segnia mentis
Intuitu fertis, numquam meruisse valerem.

Choose, from the satraps, a bride for yourself of the Pannonias
And do not weigh down your own poverty.
I will indeed greatly augment you in country and household,
Nor shall anyone who gives a bride be ashamed afterwards of the deed.»
But if these things be completed, you can establish him.» 140
The speech pleased the king, and preparations began.
Waltharius came, to whom the prince unfolded such things,
Urging him to take a wife; yet he himself
Even then premeditating what afterwards he fulfilled in acts,
In answer to these instigating suggestions spoke thus: 145
«Your piety indeed discerns the cause of my modest service;
But that by regard you hold my sluggish mind to have deserved it,
I could never have been worthy.

Sed precor, ut servi capiatis verba fidelis:
Si nuptam accipiam domini praecepta secundum, 150

But I pray that you, servants, take to heart the words of a faithful woman:
If I should take a bride according to the lord’s commands, 150

Vinciar inprimis curis et amore puellae
Atque a servitio regis plerumque retardor,
Aedificare domos cultumque intendere ruris
Cogor, et hoc oculis senioris adesse moratur
Et solitam regno Hunorum impendere curam. 155
Namque voluptatem quisquis gustaverit, exin
Intolerabilius consuevit ferre labores.
Nil tam dulce mihi, quam semper inesse fideli
Obsequio domini; quare, precor, absque iugali
Me vinclo permitte meam iam ducere vitam! 160
Si sero aut medio noctis mihi tempore mandas,
Ad quaecumque iubes, securus et ibo paratus.
In bellis nullae persuadent cedere curae,
Nec nati aut coniunx retrahentque fugamque movebunt.

Above all I am vanquished by cares and by the maiden’s love
And am for the most part hindered from the king’s service,
I am compelled to build houses and to attend the cultivation of the countryside
And this delays my presence to the elder’s eyes
And to bestow the wonted care upon the kingdom of the Huns. 155
For whoever has once tasted pleasure, thereafter
Becomes accustomed to endure labors more intolerably.
Nothing so sweet to me as always to be in the faithful
Obedience of my lord; wherefore, I pray, allow me now to lead my life
Without the nuptial bond! 160
If you command me late or at the middle of the night’s hour,
To whatever you order, secure and ready I will go.
In wars no cares persuade me to yield,
Nor will son or wife draw me back or set me moving to flight.

Testor per propriam temet, pater optime, vitam 165

I testify by your own self, most excellent father, life 165

Atque per invictam nunc gentem Pannoniarum,
Ut non ulterius me cogas sumere taedas.»
His precibus victus suasus rex deserit omnes,
Sperans Waltharium fugiendo recedere numquam.
Venerat interea satrapae certissima fama 170
Quandam, quae nuper superata, resistere gentem
Ac bellum Hunis confestim inferre paratam.
Tunc ad Waltharium convertitur actio rerum.

And through the now unconquered nation of the Pannonians,
so that you force me no longer to take the torches.»
Conquered by these entreaties, the king abandons all his plans,
hoping that Waltharius would never withdraw by fleeing.
Venerat interea satrapae certissima fama 170
That a certain people, which had lately been overcome, were prepared to resist the nation
and to bring war upon the Huns at once.
Then the action of affairs turns to Waltharius.

Qui mox militiam percensuit ordine totam
Et bellatorum confortat corda suorum, 175
Hortans praeteritos semper memorare triumphos
Promittensque istos solita virtute tyrannos
Sternere et externis terrorem imponere terris.
Nec mora, consurgit sequiturque exercitus omnis.
Ecce locum pugnae conspexerat et numeratam 180

Who soon reviewed the whole soldiery in order
And strengthens the hearts of his warriors, 175
Always exhorting them to remember former triumphs
And promising that with his wonted virtue he would overthrow those tyrants
And lay a terror upon foreign lands.
Nor tarrying, he rises up and the whole army follows.
Behold, he had caught sight of the place of battle and the ranks marshalled 180

Per latos aciem campos digessit et agros.
Iamque infra iactum teli congressus uterque
Constiterat cuneus. tunc undique clamor ad auras
Tollitur, horrendam confundunt classica vocem,
Continuoque hastae volitant hinc indeque densae. 185
Fraxinus et cornus ludum miscebat in unum,
Fulminis inque modum cuspis vibrata micabat.

He drove the acies through the broad fields and plains.
And now beneath the cast of missiles, at the meeting each one's wedge
had taken its stand. Then on all sides a clamor to the airs
is raised, the classica confound into a horrendous voice,
and continuously spears fly, dense here and there. 185
Ash and cornel mingled the ludus into one,
and the spear's point, shaken, flashed like lightning.

Ac veluti boreae sub tempore nix glomerata
Spargitur, haud aliter saevas iecere sagittas.
Postremum cunctis utroque ex agmine pilis 190
Absumptis manus ad mucronem vertitur omnis.
Fulmineos promunt enses clipeosque revolvunt,
Concurrunt acies demum pugnamque restaurant.

And just as when snow, heaped by the North Wind, is scattered abroad,
not otherwise did they hurl their savage arrows.
At last, with javelins from each line by both hosts expended, 190
every hand is turned to the sword‑point. They bring forth lightning‑like blades and whirl round shields,
the ranks clash and at last renew the fight.

Pectoribus partim rumpuntur pectora equorum,
Sternitur et quaedam pars duro umbone virorum. 195

By breasts some of the horses’ chests are burst,
and likewise some portion of men is laid low by the hard boss of their shields. 195

Waltharius tamen in medio furit agmine bello,
Obvia quaeque metens armis ac limite pergens.
Hunc ubi conspiciunt hostes tantas dare strages,
Ac si praesentem metuebant cernere mortem,
Et quemcunque locum, seu dextram sive sinistram, 200
Waltharius peteret, cuncti mox terga dederunt
Et versis scutis laxisque feruntur habenis.
Tunc imitata ducem gens maxima Pannoniarum
Saevior insurgit caedemque audacior auget,
Deicit obstantes, fugientes proterit usque, 205
Dum caperet plenum belli sub sorte triumphum.

Waltharius nevertheless rages in the midst of the battle line,
cutting down each foe he meets with arms and with the edge as he goes.
When the enemies behold him giving such slaughter,
and as if they feared to see death present,
and whichever place, whether right hand or left, 200
Waltharius were to seek, all straightaway turned their backs
and, with shields reversed and reins loosened, are borne away.
Then the greatest people of the Pannonias, imitating their leader,
rise up fiercer and increase the slaughter more boldly,
they cast down those who stand in the way, they trample the fleeing onward, 205
while he wins a full triumph under the lot of war.

Tum super occisos ruit et spoliaverat omnes.
Et tandem ductor recavo vocat agmina cornu
Ac primus frontem festa cum fronde revinxit,
Victrici lauro cingens sua timpora vulgo, 210

Then he rushed upon the slain and stripped them all.
And at last the leader summons the ranks with a hollow horn
And first he bound his brow with festive foliage,
Victorious laurel girding his temples as is common, 210

Post hunc signiferi, sequitur quos cetera pubes.
Iamque triumphali redierunt stemmate compti
Et patriam ingressi propria se quisque locavit
Sede, sed ad solium mox Waltharius properavit.
Ecce palatini decurrunt arce ministri 215
Illius aspectu hilares equitemque tenebant,
Donec vir sella descenderet inclitus alta.

After him the standard-bearers followed, whom the remaining youth attended.
And now, adorned with a triumphal fillet, they returned
and having entered their fatherland each man took his own appointed seat,
but Waltharius soon hastened to the throne.
Behold, the palace attendants run down from the citadel 215
at his sight cheerful, and they held the steed,
until the renowned man descended from the high seat.

Si bene res vergant, tum demum forte requirunt.
Ille aliquid modicum narrans intraverat aulam
(Lassus enim fuerat) regisque cubile petebat. 220
Illic Hiltgundem solam offendit residentem.
Cui post amplexus atque oscula dulcia dixit:
«Ocius huc potum ferto, quia fessus anhelo.»
Illa mero tallum complevit mox pretiosum
Porrexitque viro, qui signans accipiebat 225

If things go well, then at last by chance they inquire.
He, telling somewhat small, had entered the aula
(for he was weary) and sought the king’s cubicle. 220
There he chanced upon Hiltgunde alone, sitting.
To whom, after embraces and sweet kisses, he said:
«Bring hither a drink more quickly, for I am breathless and spent.»
She filled a goblet with wine, soon precious,
and held it forth to the man, who, signing, took it. 225

Virgineamque manum propria constrinxit. at illa
Astitit et vultum reticens intendit herilem,
Walthariusque bibens vacuum vas porrigit olli
(Ambo etenim norant de se sponsalia facta)
Provocat et tali caram sermone puellam:               230
«Exilium pariter patimur nam tempore tanto,
Non ignorantes, quid nostri forte parentes
Inter se nostra de re fecere futura.
Quamne diu tacito premimus haec ipsa palato?»
Virgo per hyroniam meditans hoc dicere sponsum               235
Paulum conticuit, sed postea talia reddit:
«Quid lingua simulas, quod ab imo pectore damnas,
Oreque persuades, toto quod corde refutas,
Sit veluti talem pudor ingens ducere nuptam?»
Vir sapiens contra respondit et intulit ista:               240

And with his own hand he bound the maiden’s hand. but she
stood and, restraining her face, fixed a manly gaze,
and Waltharius, drinking, held out the empty cup to her
(Both for indeed knew that betrothals between them had been made)
and with such speech provokes the dear girl:               230
«We endure exile alike in so great a time,
not ignorant, what perhaps our parents
between themselves have made concerning our future.
How long shall we press these very things upon the silent palate?»
The virgin, meditating to say this to her husband with irony,               235
was silent a little, but afterwards returns such words:
«Why with your tongue do you feign what you condemn from the inmost breast,
and with your mouth persuade what you with your whole heart reject?
Or should great modesty lead a bride to carry herself in such a way?»
The wise man in answer replied and uttered these things:               240

«Absit quod memoras, dextrorsum porrige sensum!
Noris me nihilum simulata mente locutum,
Nec quicquam nebulae vel falsi interfore crede!
Nullus adest nobis exceptis namque duobus.

«Far be what you mention; bend your meaning to the right!
You would know that I have spoken nothing with a simulated mind,
Nor believe that anything of mist or falsity will come between!
No one is present with us, two only excepted.

Si nossem temet mihi promptam impendere mentem               245
Atque fidem votis servare per omnia cautis,
Pandere cuncta tibi cordis mysteria vellem.»
Tandem virgo viri genibus curvata profatur:
«Ad quaecumque vocas, mi domne, sequar studiose
Nec quicquam placitis malim praeponere iussis.»               250
Ille dehinc: «piget exilii me denique nostri
Et patriae fines reminiscor saepe relictos
Idcircoque fugam cupio celerare latentem.
Quod iam prae multis potuissem forte diebus,
Si non Hiltgundem solam remanere dolerem.»               255

If I knew that you yourself would readyly bestow your mind on me               245
And keep faith to vows in all cautious things,
I would wish to unfold to you all the mysteries of my heart.»
At length the maid, bowed on the knees of the man, speaks:
«To whatever you call, my lord, I will follow eagerly
Nor would I prefer anything before your pleasing commands.»               250
He then: «I am finally grieved for our exile
And often remember the borders of the fatherland left behind
And therefore desire to hasten the hidden flight.
Which I might by chance have already accomplished many days ago,
If I did not sorrow that Hiltgund alone should remain.»               255

Addidit has imo virguncula corde loquelas:
«Vestrum velle meum, solis his aestuo rebus.
Praecipiat dominus, seu prospera sive sinistra
Eius amore pati toto sum pectore praesto.»
Waltharius tandem sic virginis inquit in aurem:               260
«Publica custodem rebus te nempe potestas
Fecerat, idcirco memor haec mea verba notato:
Inprimis galeam regis tunicamque trilicem
(Assero loricam fabrorum insigne ferentem)
Diripe, bina dehinc mediocria scrinia tolle.               265
His armillarum tantum da Pannonicarum,
Donec vix unum releves ad pectoris imum.
Inde quater binum mihi fac de more coturnum,
Tantundemque tibi patrans imponito vasis:
Sic fors ad summum complentur scrinia labrum.               270

The little maiden added these words from the inmost heart:
«Your will is my will, in these matters alone I burn.
Let the lord command, whether prosperous things or adverse,
I am ready with my whole breast to endure by love of him.»
Waltharius then thus into the maiden’s ear said: 260
«You were made, surely, guardian of public goods by power;
therefore mark these my words in remembrance:
First tear off the king’s helmet and his triple-fold tunic
(I assert the cuirass bearing the smiths’ device)
Then plunder, next, two moderate chests take up. 265
Of these give only the Pannonian armlets,
until scarcely one remains to lift to the lowest of the breast.
Then make for me, as usual, two pairs of boots of quill‑work,
and place the same number of vessels upon you to carry:
Thus perhaps at the top the chests will fill the rim.

Insuper a fabris hamos clam posce retortos:
Nostra viatica sint pisces simul atque volucres,
Ipse ego piscator, sed et auceps esse coartor.
Haec intra ebdomadam caute per singula comple.
Audisti, quid habere vianti forte necesse est. 275
Nunc, quo more fugam valeamus inire, recludo:
Postquam septenos Phoebus remeaverit orbes,
Regi ac reginae satrapis ducibus famulisque
Sumptu permagno convivia laeta parabo
Atque omni ingenio potu sepelire studebo, 280
Donec nullus erit, qui sentiat hoc, quod agendum est.

Moreover, secretly demand from the smiths hooks bent back:
Let our viaticum be fish and birds alike,
I myself a fisher, yet constrained also to be a fowler.
Complete these things carefully, one by one, within a week.
You have heard what it may be necessary to carry for the journey. 275
Now I disclose in what manner we may be able to enter upon flight:
After Phoebus has made seven circuits,
For the king and queen, satraps, commanders and servants
I will prepare joyful banquets at great expense
And with every device and with drink I will strive to bury it, 280
Until there be none who perceives this, what must be done.

Tu tamen interea mediocriter utere vino
Atque sitim vix ad mensam restinguere cura.
Cum reliqui surgant, ad opuscula nota recurre.
Ast ubi iam cunctos superat violentia potus, 285

You meanwhile use wine moderately
And let it be your care scarcely to quench thirst at the table.
When the others rise, betake yourself to the little familiar tasks.
But when now the violence of drink overcomes all, 285

Tum simul occiduas properemus quaerere partes.»
Virgo memor praecepta viri complevit; et ecce
Praefinita dies epularum venit, et ipse
Waltharius magnis instruxit sumptibus escas.
Luxuria in media residebat denique mensa. 290
Ingrediturque aulam velis rex undique septam.
Heros magnanimus solito quem more salutans
Duxerat ad solium, quem bissus compsit et ostrum.

Then at once let us hasten to seek the western parts.»
The maiden, mindful, fulfilled the man's precepts; and behold
the appointed day of the banquets arrived, and Waltharius himself
set forth fare with great expenditures. Luxury finally sat in the midst of the table. 290
And the king entered the hall veiled, surrounded on every side.
The magnanimous hero, whom, greeting in his usual manner,
he had led to the throne, whom bissus and purple arrayed.

Consedit laterique duces hinc indeque binos
Assedisse iubet; reliquos locat ipse minister. 295
Centenos simul accubitus iniere sodales,
Diversasque dapes libans conviva resudat.
His et sublatis aliae referuntur edendae,
Atque exquisitum fervebat migma per aurum
(Aurea bissina tantum stant gausape vasa), 300

He sat down, and bade the leaders on either side to sit two by two at his flank;
the attendant himself seats the rest. 295
At once a hundred dining‑couches the comrades took up,
and the guest, tasting diverse dainties, broke into fresh sweat.
With these removed, other dishes are brought back to be eaten,
and an exquisite mixture seethed within the gold vessels
(only golden, double‑woven cups stand on the gausape), 300

Et pigmentatus crateres Bachus adornat.
Illicit ad haustum species dulcedoque potus.
Waltharius cunctos ad vinum hortatur et escam.

And Bacchus, painted, adorns the mixing-bowls.
The sight entices to a draught and the sweet potation.
Waltharius urges all to wine and to food.

Postquam epulis depulsa fames sublataque mensa,
Heros iam dictus dominum laetanter adorsus 305
Inquit: «in hoc, rogito, clarescat gratia vestra,
Ut vos inprimis, reliquos tunc laetificetis.»
Et simul in verbo nappam dedit arte peractam
Ordine sculpturae referentem gesta priorum.
Quam rex accipiens haustu vacuaverat uno 310
Confestimque iubet reliquos imitarier omnes.
Ocius accurrunt pincernae moxque recurrunt,
Pocula plena dabant et inania suscipiebant.

After the feasts were put away and the table removed,
Heros, now so called, gladly addressed the lord 305
He said: “in this, I pray, may your grace be made bright,
So that you first of all may then gladden the rest.”
And at once with the word he gave a nappa wrought by art
Bearing in ordered sculpture the deeds of former times.
Which the king, receiving, had drained with one draught 310
And straightaway bade that all the others imitate him.
Forthwith the cup-bearers run and soon return,
They gave full cups and took up the empty ones.

Hospitis ac regis certant hortatibus omnes.
Ebrietas fervens tota dominatur in aula; 315

All vie with the entreaties of host and king.
Boiling drunkenness rules the whole hall; 315

Balbutit madido facundia fusa palato.
Heroas validos plantis titubare videres.
Taliter in seram produxit Bachica noctem
Munera Waltharius retrahitque redire volentes,
Donec vi potus pressi somnoque gravati 320
Passim porticibus sternuntur humotenus omnes.

Eloquence, poured upon a moist palate, stammers.
You would see the heroes, mighty, falter on their soles.
Thus Bacchic night was prolonged into the late hour
Waltharius draws back the munera and those willing to return,
Until, pressed by the force of drink and weighted with sleep 320
Everywhere along the porticoes all are strewn to the ground.

Et licet ignicremis vellet dare moenia flammis,
Nullus, qui causam potuisset scire, remansit.
Tandem dilectam vocat ad semet mulierem,
Praecipiens causas citius deferre paratas. 325
Ipseque de stabulis victorem duxit equorum,
Ob virtutem quem vocitaverat ille Leonem.
Stat sonipes ac frena ferox spumantia mandit.

And though he wished to give the walls to blazing fire,
No one remained who could know the cause.
At length he calls the beloved woman to himself,
Commanding that the causes be brought forward quickly prepared. 325
And he himself led forth from the stables the victor of the horses,
On account of his virtue the man whom he had named Leo.
The war‑steed stands and fiercely gnaws the foaming reins.

Hunc postquam faleris solito circumdedit, ecce
Scrinia plena gazae lateri suspendit utrique 330

After he had girded him with his customary phaleræ, behold
Chests full of gazae (treasure) he suspended at either side of his flank 330

Atque iteri longo modicella cibaria ponit
Loraque virgineae mandat fluitantia dextrae.
Ipseque lorica vestitus more gigantis
Imposuit capiti rubras cum casside cristas
Ingentesque ocreis suras complectitur aureis 335
Et laevum femur ancipiti praecinxerat ense
Atque alio dextrum pro ritu Pannoniarum;
Is tamen ex una tantum dat vulnera parte.
Tunc hastam dextra rapiens clipeumque sinistra
Coeperat invisa trepidus decedere terra. 340
Femina duxit equum nonnulla talenta gerentem,
In manibusque simul virgam tenet ipsa colurnam,
In qua piscator hamum transponit in undam,
Ut cupiens pastum piscis deglutiat hamum.

And again he sets out modest victuals for the journey
and commits the reins to the maiden's flowing right hand.
And clad in a cuirass like a giant’s garment himself
he set upon his head a helmet with red crests
and with huge greaves he clasps his shins in golden gear 335
And he had girded his left thigh with a two-edged sword
and on the other side his right, after the Pannonian rite;
yet he dealt wounds from only one side alone.
Then snatching a spear with his right and a shield with his left
he began, trembling, to withdraw from the hated ground. 340
The woman led a horse bearing several talents,
and in her hands she held a stick and a colurnum likewise,
into which the fisherman transposes the hook into the wave,
so that, desiring food, the fish swallows the hook.

Namque gravatus erat vir maximus undique telis 345

For the very great man was weighed down on all sides by missiles 345

Suspectamque habuit cuncto sibi tempore pugnam.
Omni nocte quidem properabant currere; sed cum
Prima rubens terris ostendit lumina Phoebus,
In silvis latitare student et opaca requirunt,
Sollicitatque metus vel per loca tuta fatigans. 350
In tantumque timor muliebria pectora pulsat,
Horreat ut cunctos aurae ventique susurros,
Formidans volucres collisos sive racemos.
Hinc odium exilii patriaeque amor incubat inde.

And he held the fight suspected at every hour against himself.
Indeed each night they hurried to run; but when
red Phoebus first displayed his lights to the lands,
they strive to lie hidden in the woods and seek the shady places,
and fear plagues them even while tiring them through safe ground. 350
And so much does fear beat upon womankind’s breasts,
that she shudders at every whisper of breeze and wind,
fearing birds in flight or the rustle of clusters.
Hence springs the hatred of exile, and thence the love of fatherland presses upon him.

Vicis diffugiunt, speciosa novalia linquunt; 355
Montibus intonsis cursus ambage recurvos
Sectantes tremulos variant per devia gressus.
Ast urbis populus somno vinoque solutus
Ad medium lucis siluit recubando sequentis.
Sed postquam surgunt, ductorem quique requirunt, 360

They scatter from the villages, abandon the fair-looking novalia; 355
Through the unshorn mountains they cleave winding courses of ambage,
cutting them, they vary their trembling steps along crooked byways.
But the city folk, loosened by sleep and wine,
have lain silent, reclining until the middle of the following light.
But when they rise, each one seeks his leader, 360

Ut grates faciant ac festa laude salutent.
Attila nempe manu caput amplexatus utraque
Egreditur thalamo rex Walthariumque dolendo
Advocat, ut proprium quereretur forte dolorem.
Respondent ipsi se non potuisse ministri 365
Invenisse virum, sed princeps sperat eundem
Hactenus in somno tentum recubare quietum
Occultumque locum sibi delegisse sopori.

So that they may give thanks and greet him with festival praise.
Attila indeed, clasping the head with both hands,
the king departs from the chamber and, grieving for Waltharius,
calls him, that he might perhaps bewail his own pain.
They themselves answer that they, the attendants, could not have found the man, 365
to have discovered the man, but the prince hopes that the same
thus far tried in sleep lies down at rest quietly
and that slumber has assigned to him a hidden place.

Ospirin Hiltgundem postquam cognovit abesse
Nec iuxta morem vestes deferre suetum, 370
Tristior immensis satrapae clamoribus inquit:
«O detestandas, quas heri sumpsimus, escas!
O vinum, quod Pannonias destruxerat omnes!
Quod domino regi iam dudum praescia dixi,
Approbat iste dies, quem nos superare nequimus. 375

Ospirin, after he learned that Hiltgunde was absent
And that she did not, according to custom, bring her accustomed garments near, 370
Sadder by the immense shouts of the satrap, said:
«O detestable foods which we took yesterday!
O wine that had laid waste all the Pannonias!
Which I long since, with prescience, told the lord the king,
This day confirms, which we are not able to overcome.» 375

En hodie imperii vestri cecidisse columna
Noscitur, en robur procul ivit et inclita virtus:
Waltharius, lux Pannoniae, discesserat inde,
Hiltgundem quoque mi caram deduxit alumnam.»
Iam princcps nimia succenditur efferus ira, 380
Mutant laetitiam maerentia corda priorem.
Ex humeris trabeam discindit ad infima totam
Et nunc huc animum tristem, nunc dividit illuc.
Ac velut Aeolicis turbatur arena procellis,
Sic intestinis rex fluctuat undique curis, 385
Et varium pectus vario simul ore imitatus
Prodidit exterius, quicquid toleraverat intus,
Iraque sermonem permisit promere nullum.

Behold, today the pillar of your empire is known to have fallen,
behold, strength has gone forth far off and renowned virtue:
Waltharius, the light of Pannonia, had departed thence,
and he had also led away my dear foster-daughter Hiltgund.»
Now the prince is kindled, fierce with excessive wrath, 380
Mourning hearts change the former joy.
From his shoulders he rends the whole trabea down to the hem
and now he turns his sad mind this way, now cleaves it that way.
And as the Aeolian sand is troubled by storm-winds,
so the king tosses about with inward cares on every side, 385
and his fickle breast, imitating a changeable face,
betrays outwardly whatever it had borne within,
and fury permits no speech to issue forth.

Ipso quippe die potum fastidit et escam,
Nec placidam membris potuit dare cura quietem. 390

On that very day indeed he loathed drink and food,
Nor could care grant calm repose to his limbs. 390

Namque ubi nox rebus iam dempserat atra colores,
Decidit in lectum, verum nec lumina clausit,
Nunc latus in dextrum fultus nunc inque sinistrum.
Et veluti iaculo pectus transfixus acuto
Palpitat atque caput huc et mox iactitat illuc, 395
Et modo subrectus fulcro consederat amens.
Nec iuvat hoc, demum surgens discurrit in urbe,
Atque thorum veniens simul attigit atque reliquit.

For when the dark night had already taken away the colours from things,
he fell upon his couch, yet did not shut his eyes,
now leaning his flank to the right, now to the left.
And just as a breast transfixed by a sharp spear
he beats and tosses his head here and then there, 395
and at times, uplifted on a prop, sat down madly supported.
This avails not; at last rising he runs about the city,
and coming to the bed he both touched it and left it again.

Taliter insomnem consumpserat Attila noctem.
At profugi comites per amica silentia euntes 400
Suspectam properant post terga relinquere terram.
Vix tamen erupit cras, rex patribusque vocatis
Dixerat: «o si quis mihi Waltharium fugientem
Afferat evinctum ceu nequam forte liciscam,
Hunc ego mox auro vestirem saepe recocto 405

Thus Attila had thus consumed the night sleepless.
But the fugitive comrades, going through friendly silences, 400
Hasten to leave the suspected land behind their backs.
Scarcely, however, had dawn broken, the king, with the fathers summoned,
Had said: «O if anyone would bring me Waltharius fleeing
Bound, as though perchance I might treat him as worthless,
This man I would soon clothe in gold oft-recast.» 405

Et tellure quidem stantem hinc inde onerarem
Atque viam penitus clausissem, vivo, talentis.»
Sed nullus fuit in tanta regione tyrannus
Vel dux sive comes seu miles sive minister,
Qui, quamvis cuperet proprias ostendere vires 410
Ac virtute sua laudem captare perennem
Ambiretque simul gazam infarcire cruminis,
Waltharium tamen iratum praesumpserat armis
Insequier strictoque virum mucrone videre.
Nota equidem virtus; experti sunt quoque, quantas 415
Incolomis dederit strages sine vulnere victor.
Nec potis est ullum rex persuadere virorum,
Qui promissa velit hac condicione talenta.

And I would load her standing upon the earth here and there
And would have shut the road completely with living talents.»
But there was no tyrant in so great a region
Nor leader nor comes nor soldier nor minister,
Who, although he might desire to display his own powers 410
And by his virtue to win perennial praise
And at the same time to cram his purse with treasure,
Yet had presumed to pursue Waltharius wrathful with arms
And to assail the man with the sword drawn to see him.
Courage is indeed famed; they also proved how great 415
A victor, unharmed, would deal forth slaughter without wound.
Nor is any king able to persuade any of the men
Who would wish the promised talents on this condition.

Waltharius fugiens, ut dixi, noctibus ivit,
Atque die saltus arbustaque densa requirens 420

Waltharius fleeing, as I said, passed the nights,
And by day seeking glades and dense shrubbery 420

Arte accersitas pariter capit arte volucres,
Nunc fallens visco, nunc fisso denique ligno.
Ast ubi pervenit, qua flumina curva fluebant,
Immittens hamum rapuit sub gurgite praedam
Atque famis pestem pepulit tolerando laborem. 425
Namque fugae toto se tempore virginis usu
Continuit vir Waltharius laudabilis heros.

With craft he likewise seizes birds procured by craft,
now deceiving with bird-lime, now at last with a split branch.
But when he came to where the rivers ran in curves,
casting in a hook he snatched prey from beneath the eddy
and drove off the plague of famine by enduring toil. 425
For through the whole time of the maiden’s flight and service
the man Waltharius, a praiseworthy hero, restrained himself.