Whensoe'er those mighty war-kings rode through Burgundia-land, Still did their knights attend them arrayed on either hand; Rode Siegfried with these: at his going that lovely lady sighed; And his heart the while was aching for her through a weary tide. So abode he with those three war-lords--true is it, how strange soe'er-- In the land of Gunther the royal through all the space of a year; Yet in all that season his heart's love not once did he behold, Of whom he should yet have gladness and sorrow manifold. IV. How Siegfried warred against the Saxons {P. 20} Then came to the land of Gunther tidings strange and dread; For out of a far, far country were heralds to Burgundy sped With a tale of unknown warriors and the hate they bare to the king; And in passing great disquiet the brethren heard that thing. Now these were they that had sent them:--the lord of the Saxon land, King Lüdiger mighty in war-hosts, mighty in strength of hand; And Lüdegast for his helper, the lord of the land of the Dane; And warriors marched unnumbered 'neath the banners of these twain. So they came to the land of Gunther, those bearers of threats of war, Even they whom his adversaries had sent forth from afar. And men looked on the unknown faces, and asked, "What tale do ye bring?" And they led the heralds of war-storm to the presence of the King. And he gave to them courteous greeting: "Welcome to me be ye. What man hath sent you hither not yet hath been told unto me: Speak out and utter your message," said the noble king war-wise. Then sank their hearts, as they looked on the flame in Gunther's eyes. "If thou, O King, wilt suffer that we speak"--the heralds replied-- "Unhindered all our message, no word from thee will we hide. So name we to you the princes who have laid on us this command: Lo, Lüdegast hitherward marcheth with Lüdiger unto your land. Ye twain have provoked their anger: in our ears was spoken the word, How that ye in the hearts of our liege-lords deadliest hate have stirred; And they purpose to lead their battles unto Worms beside the Rhine. See ye that your war-thanes help you! Lo, this is the warning-sign. Within twelve weeks shall the thunder of the tramp of their hosts draw near. If then ye have loyal vassals, let their fealty now appear: Let them ward the peace of the castle, let them keep unharried the field. Ha, here shall be fearful hewing of many a helm and shield! {P. 21} Or if haply for peace ye will pray them, now let us be certified, Or ever their ranks of battle across your marches ride, Or ever your strong foes bow you in bitterness of soul. Ha, many a champion shall perish when hither the war-waves roll!" "Ye shall tarry a little season--my mind shall ye know ere long-- While I ponder upon this matter," spake Gunther the valiant and strong. "O yea, I have loyal vassals; to them will I bear this word,