"Ludegast and Ludeger you to the death defy, The kings whom you entreated so hard in years gone by. In arms into your country they are resolv'd to ride." Full of wrath seem'd Gunther to hear himself defied. V Then were the false pretenders led to guest-chambers fair. Ah! how could noble Siegfried, or any else beware The trains of that vile treason, which, for the guiltless spread, Soon brought down death and ruin on each contriver's head? VI The king about went whisp'ring with the friends he loved the best. Hagan, the knight of Trony, never let him rest. Many of the king's companions to stop the treason tried, But Hagan from his counsel not once would turn aside. VII One day it fell that Siegfried close whisp'ring found the band, When thus began to ask them the Knight of Netherland, "Why creep the king and chieftains so sorrowful along? I'll help you to revenge it, if you have suffer'd wrong." VIII "Good cause have I for sorrow," Gunther straight replied, "Ludegast and Ludeger both have me defied. With open force they threaten to ravage all my land." Then spake the dauntless champion, "Their pride shall Siegfried's hand, IX "Both to your boot and honor, bring lower, and once more I'll do unto those boasters e'en as I did before. Ere I end, o'er castles, o'er lands, o'er all I'll spread Wide waste and desolation, or fortfeit else my head. X "Do you and your good warriors sit by the chimney side; With my knights here about me thither let me ride. How willingly I serve you, my acts and deeds shall show, And every one shall feel it who boasts himself your foe." XI "Ah! how this promise cheers me!" the king dissembling said, As though rejoic'd in earnest at that free-proffer'd aid. Low bow'd to him the false one with fawning semblance fair. Then return'd Sir Siegfried, "Take now no further care." XII For the march the Burgundians prepar'd in show the while, Yet Siegfried and his warriors 'twas done but to beguile. Then bade he straight make ready each Netherlandish knight. They sought out the best harness and surest arms they might. XIII Then spake the valiant Siegfried, "Sir Siegmund, father mine, Best tarry here in quiet till we return to Rhine. Conquest, if God befriend us, we shortly back shall bring. Meanwhile live blithe and merry with our good host the king." XIV The flags anon were hoisted, and forward all would fare; Among the men of Gunther many a one was there Who knew not his lord's secret, and thought no treachery. There might you see with Siegfried a mighty company. XV Their helms and eke their mailcoats upon their steeds were tied. Many a knight of prowess ready was to ride. Then Hagan, Lord of Trony, as had before been plann'd, Went to take leave of Kriemhild ere yet they left the land. XVI