many a one to death; of this full many
stories might be told here in the Burgundian land. Sindolt and Hunolt,
Gernot's men, Rumolt the brave, have done such deeds that it may well
ever rue Liudeger that he made war upon thy kinsmen by the Rhine. The
very best fight that happed from first to last, that one has ever seen,
was made full lustily by Siegfried's hand. Rich hostages he bringeth to
Gunther's land. He won them by his prowess, this stately man. Of this
King Liudegast must bear the loss and eke his brother Liudeger of Saxon
land. Now listen to my tale, most noble queen: by the hand of Siegfried
the twain were caught. Never have men brought so many hostages to this
land, as now are coming to the Rhine through him. Men are bringing
to our land five hundred or more unharmed captives; and of the deadly
wounded, my lady, know, not less than eighty blood-red biers. These men
were mostly wounded by bold Siegfried's hand. Those who in haughty
pride sent a challenge to the Rhine, must now needs be the captives of
Gunther, the king, and men are bringing them with joy unto this land."

Still higher rose Kriemhild's color when she heard this tale. Her fair
face blushed a rosy red, that Siegfried, the youth, the stately knight,
had fared forth so joyfully from the dangerous strife. These tidings
could not have pleased her better. For her kinsmen, too, she rejoiced in
duty bound. Then spake the lovely maid: "A fair tale thou hast told me;
therefore shalt thou have as guerdon rich attire. Likewise I'll have
thee brought ten marks of gold." (5) Small wonder that such tales are
gladly told to noble dames.

They gave him then his guerdon, the garments and the gold. Then many a
fair maid hied her to the casement and gazed upon the street, where many
high-mettled warriors were seen riding into the Burgundian land. There
came the champions, the wounded and the sound. Without shame they heard
the greetings of their friends. Merrily the host rode forth to meet his
guests, for his great sorrow had been turned to joy. Well greeted he
his vassals and the strangers, too; for it was only meet that the mighty
king in courtly wise should thank those who were come back to him,
because in the storm of battle they had won the fight with honor.
Gunther bade his kinsmen tell who had been slain upon the march; but
sixty had been lost, whom one must mourn, as is the wont with heroes.
Many a riven shield and battered helm the unharmed warriors brough