As Siegfried stooped to bind his prisoner, Ludeger's eyes fell upon the crown which was emblazoned on his victor's shield. Then he knew that the rumour which had reached him was true. This mighty hero was none other than Siegfried, the son of Siegmund, King of the Netherlands. Vain was it to fight longer with such a hero among their foes, and Ludeger raised his voice loud above the tumult, and cried to his brave Saxon warriors, 'My warriors, my lieges, cease to give battle. Lay down your arms, lower your standards, for none may conquer where Prince Siegfried wars.' At Ludeger's words all that was left of the great armies of Danes and Saxons laid down their arms, lowered their standards, while their King humbly sued for peace. By Hagen's command peace was granted, but Ludeger, along with Ludegast and five hundred warriors who had been taken prisoner, were forced to go with the Burgundians to the royal city of Worms. The victorious army was soon upon its homeward way, the wounded being carried in litters by the command of King Gernot. Tidings were sent to King Gunther, telling him to rejoice, for his warriors had won the day. Yet to all it was well known that the victory was due to the prowess of the mighty Prince Siegfried. Nor did the heralds who were sent to the city with the glad news of victory forget to tell of the marvellous deeds of the hero. In Worms there had been grief lest their warriors should be vanquished, but now the city was full of triumph, and noble dames and happy maidens gathered round the squires who had brought the good news. Then Kriemhild sent secretly for one of the squires, for she wished to hear without delay all that had befallen her gallant knight. Had she not mourned his absence and scarce slept the long nights through lest danger should come nigh so fearless a warrior? Had she not vowed to herself that she would own no other knight as lord, save only this great hero? For unawares love had stolen into the tender heart of the Lady Kriemhild. When the squire was led to the bower of the Princess, he stood quiet, modest before the beauteous lady. 'Tell me the dear tidings,' she said, 'stint not thy words, and gold will I give to thee in plenty.' Yet at first the Princess had no courage to ask of Siegfried's prowess. 'How fared my brother Gernot, and how have my other kinsmen fought? Are many wounded left upon the field?' Then to her lips sprang the words she would fain have the squire answer before all others. 'And who did best of any?' said the Princess, and her voice broke, and her tears fell as she spoke.