thee gladly, and will prove it. Doubt not that thy
foemen shall suffer scathe at my hand."

"These be good words," answered the king, as he were truly glad, and
craftily the false man bowed low.

Then said Siegfried further, "Have no fear."

The knights of Burgundy made ready for war, they and their squires, and
dissembled before Siegfried and his men. Siegfried bade them of the
Netherland lose no time, and they sought out their harness.

Then spake stark Siegfried, "Tarry here at home, Siegmund, my father. If
God prosper us, we shall return or long to the Rhine. Meanwhile, be thou
of good cheer here by the king."

They made as if to depart, and bound on the standard. Many of Gunther's
knights knew nothing of how the matter stood, and a mighty host gathered
round Siegfried. They bound their helmets and their coats of mail on to
the horses and stood ready. Then went Hagen of Trony to Kriemhild, to
take his leave of her, for they would away.

"Well for me," said Kriemhild, "that ever I won to husband a man that
standeth so true by his friends, as doth Siegfried by my kinsmen. Right
proud am I. Bethink thee now, Hagen, dear friend, how that in all things
I am at thy service, and have ever willed thee well. Requite me through
my husband, that I love, and avenge not on him what I did to Brunhild.
Already it repenteth me sore. My body hath smarted for it, that ever I
troubled her with my words. Siegfried, the good knight, hath seen to
that."

Whereto Hagen answered, "Ye will shortly be at one again. But Kriemhild,
prithee tell me wherein I can serve thee with Siegfried, thy husband, and
I will do it, for I love none better."

"I should fear naught for his life in battle, but that he is foolhardy,
and of too proud a courage. Save for that, he were safe enow."

Then said Hagen, "Lady, if thou fearest hurt for him in battle, tell me
now by what device I may hinder it, and I will guard him afoot and on
horse."

She answered, "Thou art my cousin, and I thine. To thy faith I commend
my dear husband, and thou mayst watch and keep him."

Then she told him what she had better have left unsaid.

"My husband is stark and bold. When that he slew the dragon on the
mountain, he bathed him in its blood; wherefore no weapon can pierce
him. Nevertheless, when he rideth in battle, and spears fly from the
hands of heroes, I tremble lest I lose him. Alack! for Siegfried's sake
how oft have I been heavy of my cheer