e knights to go with them,
wherefore Siegfried also rode forth, the which irked the damsel sore; and
likewise, for love of her, he was heavy enow of his cheer.

So in a year (I say sooth) he abode by these princes, nor in all that
time had once seen his dear one, that afterward brought him so much
gladness and dole.

Fourth Adventure

How Siegfried Fought with the Saxons

Now there were brought into Gunther's land strange tidings by envoys sent
from afar by foreign princes that hated him; and when they heard the
message they were troubled. The kings were as I will tell you: Ludger of
the Saxons, a high and might prince; and Ludgast of Denmark, and many
bold warriors with them.

These envoys, sent by his foemen, came into Gunther's land, and the
strangers were asked their business, and brought before the king.

The king greeted them fair, and said, "I know not who hath sent you
hither, and would hear it." So spake the good king, and they greatly
feared his wrath.

"If thou wilt have our message, O king, we will tell it plain, and name
thee the princes that have sent us. They are Ludgast and Ludger, and
will come against thee into they land. Thou are fallen in their
displeasure, and we know that they bear thee bitter hate. They come
hither with an armed force to Worms by the Rhine--they and their
warriors. Wherefore be warned. Inside of twelve days they will ride.
If thou hast truly friends, let it appear now; let them help thee to keep
thy castles and they country, for, or long, there will be smiting of
helmets and shields here. Or wouldst thou treat with them, then declare
it straightway, that thy foemen come not night thee to thy hurt, and that
goodly knights perish not thereby."

"Tarry a while--ye shall have answer betimes--that I may bethink me,"
said the good king. "If I have true liegemen, I will not hide it from
them, but will take counsel with them on this hard matter."

Heavy enow of his cheer was Gunther. He pondered the message secretly in
his heart, and summoned Hagen, and others of his men, and sent to the
court in haste for Gernot. His best knights drew round him, and he said,
"Without cause, and with a mighty army, foemen come hither against us
into our land."

Thereto answered Gernot, a hardy and bold warrior, "We shall hinder that
with our swords. They only perish that fate dooms. Let them die. They
shall not turn from honour. Our foemen are welcome."

Spake Hagen of Tro