882.
The king with his advisers were whispering without cease;
Nor would Hagen of Tronjé e’er let him be at peace.
Though many a lord would gladly have given up the plot,
Yet Hagen from his counsel would never swerve a jot.
883.
One day it chanced that Siegfried came on this scheming band;—
And straight began to ask them the Lord of Netherland:
“Why goes the king so sadly, thus brooding with his men?
Hath any done him mischief, I’ll help avenge it then.”
884.
Then up and spake King Gunther: “Cause have I sad to be!
For Ludegast and Lud’ger have straightly challenged me:
The eyes of all shall see them here riding in my land.”
Then cried the gallant hero: “Right soon shall Siegfried’s hand,
885.
“As doth beseem your honour, this business undertake
To break these warriors’ power, as it erewhile I brake:
Their strongholds shall be ruin’d, their land be ravagéd,
Ere I with them have ended: thereon I stake my head!
886.
You may with all your warriors at home stay quietly,
And let me ride to battle with those who came with me.
That willingly I serve you, you very soon shall know:
Your foes by me shall suffer as ne’er before, I trow.”
887.
“This is to me good hearing,” the king in answer said,—
As if he were in earnest well-pleased to have his aid.
Before the knight low bow’d he,— the false and faithless knave!
Then said the noble Siegfried: “No care you need to have!”
