So ended Hagen of Troneg--"All this hath the hero done: Through the world in battle-prowess peer unto him is there none. Men tell of another emprise--as I heard it, I tell it to you-- A Worm, a winged fen-dragon, the hand of the hero slew: Then he bathed in the blood of the monster, and his skin became as horn, That no weapon may wound him: witness thereof full many have borne. Now wisely and well do I rede you--receive him in courteous wise, That the fiery wrath of the hero by no deed of ours may arise. Since utterly aweless his heart is, let no man do him despite. Bethink you how many a marvel hath been wrought by his quenchless might." And the King of the land made answer: "Thy counsel is meet and right. Mark ye how proudly he standeth, as defying peril of fight! Dauntless they be, yon warrior and the vassals that follow him. We will fare down unto the gateway, and greet yon champion grim." {P. 15} "Yea, greet him with worship and honour," spake Hagen answering; "For he cometh of noble lineage, and is son of a mighty king; And his port, meseemeth, is princely--yea, by Christ the Lord! Great tales shall be told of the issues of his riding hitherward." Then the lord of the land made answer: "Right welcome to us be he! Valiant he is and noble, as well may mine own eyes see. Yea, Burgundy-land shall hold him for a guest of passing worth." Unto where Prince Siegfried tarried then Gunther the King passed forth. And the lord of the land and his earlfolk bade the hero welcome there With greeting exceeding gracious, with courtesy passing fair; And before them the Knight all-peerless bowed him in courtly wise In thanks for their lovingkindness, and the worship in their eyes. Spake Gunther the king: "I marvel, and fain would be certified, Whence, O most noble Siegfried, unto this our land ye ride, And what thing come ye seeking at Worms by the waters of Rhine." And the guest to the King made answer: "I hide no purpose of mine. Afar in the land of my fathers the tidings have I heard How that here, O King, in thy palace--and fain would I prove the word-- Be the knights in the world most valiant--yea, oft have I hearkened their fame-- And the best that king gat ever: and for this cause hither I came. Yea, and I hear men praise thee for the Star of Chivalry. 'Never was king so valiant unto this day seen,' they cry. Through all my land thy glory is blown upon rumour's wind. No rest may my spirit give me till the truth hereof I find. Lo, I withal am a warrior; a crown must I wear one day; And fain am I that all men of me in that hour should say That I take the folk and the kingdom of right for mine heritage. Lo, mine head and mine honour, I lay them in the lists for battle's gage. Thou then, if thou be so valiant as is sung by the lips of fame-- I ask no man of my challenge, if he joy or chafe at the same-- I challenge thee here, do battle for all thou accountest thine!