The Women of Weinsberg

First of the Hohenstaufen, the bold King Conrad lay
Encamped in force at Weinsberg for many a weary day.
The Guelph he had defeated; this eyrie still gave fight;
The burghers kept their courage, and held the fortress tight.

Came hunger then, came hunger, that sharp and painful thorn;
They came to him for mercy, and found his rage and scorn.
‘Ye’ve slain full many a gallant; expect your just reward;
‘Tis vain your gates to open; your portion is the sword.’

Then came to him the women: ‘And if it must be so,
Guiltless are we of slaughter; then let us freely go.’
And when he heard their pleading, the hero’s rage was quelled;
Instead within his bosom a soft compassion swelled.

‘The women have safe conduct, and each may carry free
Whatever she can shoulder that dear to her may be.
Let them proceed unhindered, and bear away their load;
So let it be, for such is our royal will and word!’

And as the early morning rose in the East so grey,
Strange was the scene they witnessed, who in the siege-camp lay:
From that beleaguered gateway that slowly opened wide,
A swaying line of women came forth with clumsy stride.

The load their necks supported, it bent them to the ground:
They bore their lords and masters, the dearest thing they owned.
‘Arrest the caitiff women!’- harsh cries and threats were heard;
‘This never was intended!’ the chancellor averred.

He smiled when he beheld it, the just and pious King;
‘Perhaps I never willed it, yet here’s a noble thing!
A promise is a promise; the royal word holds good,
By chancellors not ever misprised or misconstrued.’

And so the royal crown of gold was pure and undefiled:
The year, eleven forty, as our chroniclers compiled.
From half-forgotten ages still we hear the story ring:
Sacred in German homeland was the promise of a King.