164.
The messengers of Lud’ger straightway to court repair.
At news of home-returning greatly rejoiced they were.
The good King Gunther gave them rich gifts to take away,
And promised them safe conduct: right glad of heart were they.
165.
“Say now,” King Gunther bade them, “unto my foes who come,
They’d best forego this journey, and stay content at home.
But, if they be determined to seek me in my land,
Unless my good friends fail me, they’ll find their work to hand.”
166.
Rich presents then they, straightway, before the heralds bore,
Gunther was rich in treasure, and had enough and more;
These men of Lud’ger’s durst not refuse the offered fee,
And when they leave had taken, departed joyfully.
167.
Now when they unto Denmark returnéd were at last,
And had declared the tidings unto King Ludegast,
Which they had brought from Rhineland, and all to him was said,
The proud and haughty answer filled him with grief and dread.
168.
They said that by the Rhine dwelt full many a gallant wight:
“Among them, with King Gunther, there was a certain knight,
Who bore the name of Siegfried,— a knight of Netherland.”
Sore grieved was Lud’gast when he this news did understand,
169.
As soon as they of Denmark had heard the news of war,
They made all haste to gather their friends from near and far,
Till Ludegast could reckon on twenty-thousand men,
All warriors bold, and ready the war-march to begin.
