afraid
of the man and his sword, did homage for castles and land. He smote the
two kings dead. Then he, himself, came in scathe by Albric, that would
have avenged the death of his masters then and there, till that he felt
Siegfried's exceeding might. When the dwarf could not overcome him, they
ran like lions to the mountain, where Siegfried won from Albric the
cloud-cloak that hight _Tarnkappe_. Then was Siegfried, the terrible man,
master of the hoard. They that had dared the combat lay slain; and he
bade carry the treasure back whence the Nibelungs had brought it forth;
and he made Albric the keeper thereof, after that he had sworn an oath to
serve him as his man, and to do all that he commanded him."

"These are his deeds," said Hagen; "bolder knight there never was. Yet
more I might tell of him. With his hand he slew a dragon, and bathed him
in its blood, that his skin is as horn, and no weapon can cut him, as
hath been proven on him ofttimes."

"Let us welcome the young lord, that we come not in his hate. So fair is
he of his body that one may not look unfriendly thereon; with his
strength he hath done great deeds."

Then spake the great king, "Belike thou sayest sooth. Knightly he
standeth there as for the onset--he and his warriors with him. We will
go down to him and greet him."

"Thou mayest do that with honour," answered Hagen; "for he is of high
birth, even a great king's son. By Christ, there is somewhat in his
bearing that showeth he hath ridden hither on no slight matter."

The king of the land said, "He is right welcome, for I perceive that he
is brave and noble, the which shall profit him in Burgundy."

Gunther went out to Siegfried. The king and his men gave the strangers
courteous welcome, and the valiant man bowed before them because they
greeted him so fair.

"I would know," said the king, "whence noble Siegfried cometh, and what
he seeketh at Worms by the Rhine."

The guest answered him, "I will tell thee that readily. Word hath
reached me in the land of my father, that, hereby thee, dwell the prowest
ever sworn to king. I have heard much of these, and would know them; for
this I am come hither. Thy knightliness also I hear praised, and am told
that nowhere is a better king. So say the folk throughout the land; and,
till I have proven it, I will not depart hence. I also am a king that
shall wear a crown, and I would have men say of me that the country and
the people are rig