lberich. (8) The
latter weened to venge straightway his masters, till he then discovered
Siegfried's mighty strength; for no match for him was the sturdy dwarf.
Like wild lions they ran to the hill, where from Alberich he won the
Cloak of Darkness. (9) Thus did Siegfried, the terrible, become master
of the hoard; those who had dared the combat, all lay there slain. Soon
bade he cart and bear the treasure to the place from whence the men of
Nibelung had borne it forth. He made Alberich, the strong, warden of the
hoard and bade him swear an oath to serve him as his knave; and fit he
was for work of every sort."

So spake Hagen of Troneg: "This he hath done. Nevermore did warrior win
such mighty strength. I wot yet more of him: it is known to me that the
hero slew a dragon and bathed him in the blood, so that his skin became
like horn. Therefore no weapons will cut him, as hath full oft been
seen. All the better must we greet this lord, that we may not earn the
youthful warrior's hate. So bold is he that we should hold him as a
friend, for he hath wrought full many a wonder by his strength."

Then spake the mighty king: "Thou mayst well have right. Behold how
valiantly he with his knights doth stand in lust of battle, the daring
man! Let us go down to meet the warrior."

"That ye may do with honor," spake then Hagen; "he is of noble race, son
of a mighty king. God wot, methinks, he beareth him in such wise, that
it can be no little matter for which he hath ridden hither."

"Now be he welcome to us," spake then the king of the land. "He is both
noble and brave, as I have heard full well. This shall stand him in good
stead in the Burgundian land." Then went Lord Gunther to where Siegfried
stood.

The host and his warriors received the guest in such wise that full
little was there lack of worship. Low bowed the stately man, that they
had greeted him so fair. "It wondereth me," spake the king straightway,
"whence ye, noble Siegfried, be come unto this land, or what ye seek at
Worms upon the Rhine."

Then the stranger made answer to the king: "This will I not conceal from
you. Tales were told me in my father's land, that here with you were the
boldest warriors that ever king did gain. This I have often heard, and
that I might know it of a truth, therefore am I come. Likewise do I hear
boasting of your valor, that no bolder king hath ever been seen. This
the folk relate much through all these lands. Therefore will I not tu