Said she, "Upon his vesture with a fine silken thread I'll sew a secret crosslet; by this small token led Thy hand shall guard my husband, as through the press he goes, And in the shock of battle confronts his swarming foes." XXIX "So will I do," said Hagan, "my honor'd lady dear." She thought her lord to profit, and keep from danger clear, But all she did to aid him serv'd but to betray. Leave then took Sir Hagan, and joyous strode away. XXX What he had learn'd from Kriemhild his lord then bade him show "Put off this march," said Hagan, "and let us hunting go; Now have I all the secret; now in my hand is he; Could you but contrive it?" "For that," said Gunther, "trust to me." XXXI The false king and his courtiers to hear his words were fain. I ween, so base a treason knight ne'er will do again, As then was done by Hagan, when to his faith for aid So fair a lady trusted, and so foully was betrayed. XXXII Next morning on his journey in haste Sir Siegfried sped. Of his men a thousand merrily he led. He thought his foes to punish who had his friends defied. Next him rode Sir Hagan, and close his vesture eyed. XXXIII Soon as the mark he noted, he bade in secret go Two of his men some distance, and come as from the foe, Saying, that only friendship to Burgundy was meant, And that they to King Gunther from Ludeger were sent. XXXIV How then it irk'd Sir Siegfried to turn at once the rein, Ere he in his friend's quarrel had battled once again! Scarce could the men of Gunther divert him from his way. So to the king back rode he, who thus his thanks 'gan pay. XXXV "Now God requite you, Siegfried, of all my friends the best! Since you are always ready to do what I request, I'll ever do my utmost to merit such good will. Many are the friends I trust in, but you're the surest still. XXXVI "Now that we're free from foemen, and in firm peace abide, Hence to the Wask forest a-hunting let us ride, To chase the bears and wild swine, as oft I've done of yore." The faithless, murderous Hagan had counsell'd this before. XXXVII "To all my guests and kinsmen it straight announc'd shall be, I mean to start full early; whoe'er would ride with me, Must forthwith make him ready; whoe'er would here abide, Let him amuse the ladies; with both I'm satisfied." XXXVIII Then courteously made answer Siegfried the stout and strong, "If you're inclined for hunting, gladly will I along. So lend me but a huntsman and a good brach or two, And I into the forest will find my way like you." XXXIX "If one will not suffice you," the fraudful king replied, "I'll lend you four good huntsmen, who know the forest wide, And every track soever where the wild beasts roam. You'll never, with their guidance, come empty-handed home." XL