"Then with our swords we'll meet them; defiance we'll defy; None but the death-doom'd perish, so bravely let them die; I'll ne'er forget my honor for all they choose to send.

So fierce a foe to Gernot is welcome as a friend."

XIII

"Rash hold I such hot counsel," said Hagan, Trony's knight, "Both Ludegast and Ludeger are men of mickle might: In so few days our va.s.sals we scarce can muster well."

He paused a s.p.a.ce, then added, "The news to Siegfried tell."

XIV

Meanwhile they lodg'd the strangers within the city fair; Though all were foes around them, King Gunther bade them share All courteous entertainment; so fitly dealt the king, Till he had learn'd, what forces he might together bring.

XV

Right ill at ease was Gunther; his brow was clouded o'er; A gallant knight, who mark'd him what heavy cheer he bore, Who had not heard the tidings, nor thus the truth could guess, With friendly will thus mov'd him his sorrow to confess.

XVI

"I wonder much," said Siegfried, "why I of late have seen With care so overshadow'd that frank and merry mien, That gave a zest to pleasure, and heighten'd each delight."

Whereto gave answer Gunther the far-renowned knight;

XVII

"To all the world I cannot my bitter bale impart; Bear it I must, and wrap it close in my inmost heart.

Bosom woes can only to bosom friends be said."

Thereat the hue of Siegfried wax'd both white and red.

XVIII

He thus bespake the monarch, "I ne'er denied you aught, And now will serve you truly, whate'er be in your thought.

Need you friends, King Gunther? no firmer friend than I.

Is it a deed of danger? I'll do it, or I'll die."

XIX

"Now G.o.d reward you, Siegfried; your words they please me well; E'en should your strength avail not this danger to repel, There's comfort in such friendship as you have shown to-day.

Let me live a little longer, well will I all repay.

XX

"And now my source of sorrow, Sir Siegfried, you shall know; It comes of two proud princes, each my deadly foe, Who me with war would visit, and all my lands o'errun, A deed that here by warrior before was never done."

XXI

"Take little thought," said Siegfried, "of them and their emprise; Calm but your anxious spirit, and do as I advise.

Let me for you advantage as well as honor win, And bid at once to aid you your warriors hasten in.

XXII

"If your o'erweening foemen can together call Thirty thousand champions, I'll stand against them all With but a single thousand; for that rely on me."

"For this," replied King Gunther, "I'm ever bound to thee."

XXIII

"So from your army give me a thousand men at most, Since I, who well could muster at home a gallant host, Have here twelve comrades only; thus will I guard your land.

Count on true service ever from Siegfried's faithful hand.

XXIV

"And Hagan too shall help us, and with him stout Ortwine, Dankwart and Sindolt those loving lords of thine, And fear-defying Folker shall our companion be; He shall bear our banner; better none than he."

XXV

And forthwith did the envoys back to their lords return: "Tell them they soon shall see us, and to their cost shall learn How we devise protection for castle and for town."

Straight call'd the king his kinsmen and the suitors of his crown.

XXVI

The messengers of Ludeger before th' a.s.sembly went; They heard with joy and gladness that home they would be sent.

With costly presents Gunther their parting steps pursued, And with them sent an escort; this rais'd full high their mood.

XXVII

"Ye messengers," said Gunther, "thus to your masters say, They'd best be p.r.i.c.king homeward as quickly as they may; Or, should they please to seek us among our liegemen true, Let but our friends be faithful, we'll find them work to do."

XXVIII

Then forth the costly presents to the messengers they bore; Enough, be sure, and more, too, King Gunther had in store.

King Ludeger's men to take them in sooth were nothing coy; Then leave they took of Gunther, and parted thence with joy.

XXIX