888.
With their esquires and liegemen they plann’d the journey then:
’Twas done for the deceiving of Siegfried and his men.
He bade them all be ready, his men of Netherland:
And soon had Siegfried’s warriors their fighting gear at hand.
889.
Then spake the gallant Siegfried: “My father Siegmund, pray
Remain thou here behind us; we shall not long delay;
If so be that God speed us, we’ll come back to the Rhine.
So with the king abiding shall happy days be thine!”
890.
The banner they unfurléd, as though they fain would start.
Of Gunther’s liegemen present there were a goodly part
Who naught knew of the message, nor what it all did mean:
A mighty throng of people round Siegfried there was seen.
891.
Their helmets and their breastplates on horses they did stow:
And many a stout knight hastened to leave the land and go.
Then went Hagen of Tronjé to where Kriemhild did stand,
And prayed for leave of absence, since they would quit the land.
892.
“Thrice happy I,” cried Kriemhild, “that I have got for lord
One who to my dear kinsmen such succour can accord,
As doth my dear lord Siegfried unto my kindred here.
Therefore,” the queen said, “will I be now of right good cheer.
893.
“But you, my good friend Hagen, one thing remember still;
That I would gladly serve you, nor e’er have done you ill;
For this you can requite me to my dear lord one day:
If I’ve done aught to Brunhild for that he must not pay!
