Waltharius489English

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Walther makes his camp in a mountainous area and goes to sleep (489–512)

Meanwhile, the great-souled man, departing from the river,
Had reached a mountain woodland, then too called the Vosges: 490
A massive forest, spacious, having many lairs
Of beasts, accustomed to resound with dogs and horns.
Within a recess stand two mountains close together,
Between which lies a narrow, although pleasant, gorge:
Not hollowed from the earth, but formed by jutting cliffs. 495
Indeed that place is suited for bloodthirsty thieves.
This crevice had produced both green and tender grass.
“Let us head there,” the youth said when he saw the place.
“I wish to rest my weary body in this stronghold.”
For ever since he left the Avars’ lands in flight, 500
He had not tasted of the rest of sleep unless
While leaning on his shield; he scarcely closed his eyes.
At last he put his heavy burdens down and said,
While resting on the maiden’s lap, “Watch cautiously,
And, Hildegund, if you should see a dark cloud raised, 505
Then with a gentle touch warn me to rouse myself;
And even if you see a mighty troop approaching,
My dear, be careful not to wake me suddenly;
From here you can direct your sharp eyes quite a distance.
Scan this entire area attentively.” 510
He spoke these words and then he closed his shining eyes
And now enjoyed the sleep he had so long desired.

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Note: this English text is identical to that found in Waltharius and Ruodlieb, edited and translated by Dennis M. Kratz. The Garland library of medieval literature, Series A, vol. 14. New York: Garland Pub., 1984.