The Knight of Metz in answer, Ortwine, then sternly said, "That strength of his, so matchless, shall stand him in no stead. Let but my lord permit me, myself will do the deed." Against him then the chieftains unrighteous doom decreed. LVII None urged the matter further, except that Hagan still, Kept ever prompting Gunther the guiltless blood to spill; Saying, that, if Siegfried perish'd, his death to him would bring The sway o'er many a kingdom. Sore mourn'd the wavering king. LVIII Still shrunk they from performance; fair sports meanwhile were plied. Ah! what spears were shiver'd between the palace wide And the lofty minster Siegfried's fair dame before! This with angry murmurs the men of Gunther bore. LIX Then said the king, "Ye warriors, refrain your murderous hate; Born was he for the safety and honor of our state. Besides, so stout of body is he, and so strong of hand; That, should he come to know it, none durst his fury stand." LX "Nay, my good lord," said Hagan, "take comfort and good cheer. The weeping of fair Brunhild, be sure, shall cost him dear. Trust to my secret practice to guide this matter right. Ever shall he find in Hagan a fatal opposite." LXI Thereto replied King Gunther, "But how can this befall?" To him straight answer'd Hagan, "List, and I'll tell you all. Let messengers ride hither, whom here no person knows, And bid you open battle as if from foreign foes. LXII "Before your guests make public, that you and all your men Must forthwith hence to battle; he will not dally then, But proffer you his service, and thus will lose his life; I'll worm us out his secret from his loquacious wife." LXIII The king took to his ruin, th' advice his liegeman gave. The chiefs their horrid treason 'gainst th' innocent and brave Carried with such close practice, that none the train could spy. Thus brought two women's quarrel many a good knight to die. FIFTEENTH ADVENTURE HOW SIEGFRIED WAS BETRAYED I From thence 'twas the fourth morning, when two and thirty men To the court came riding; 'twas told King Gunther then, That him and his Burgundians their task was to defy. Woe were the fearful women from this foul-framed lie. II At once they got permission before the king to go, And told him that from Ludeger they came, his former foe, Of old o'ercome in battle by Siegfried's conquering hand, And brought by him a captive into Gunther's land. III The messengers he greeted and each bade choose a seat. Then one among them answer'd "To stand, my lord, is meet, Till we have told our message, and all our duty done. Know, that you have for foemen many a mother's son. IV