e Rhine
hath gold and raiment to give in plenty, nor needeth to bear aught of
Brunhild's hence."

"Nay, if thou lovest me," said the queen, "let me fill twenty travelling
chests with gold and with silk, that my hand may have somewhat to bestow
when we get home to the land of Burgundy."

They filled the chests with precious stones. Her own chamberlain saw to
it, for she would not trust Giselher's man. And Gunther and Hagen began
to laugh.

Then the queen said, "To whom shall I leave my kingdom? Thy hand and
mine must establish that or we depart."

The king answered, "Call forth whom thou wilt, and he shall be regent."

The lady saw her nearest of kin standing night her--her mother's
brother--and to him she said, "Take my castles and land in charge, till
that King Gunther's own hand holdeth rule here."

She chose from among her knights two thousand men to follow her to the
Rhine, and the thousand Nibelung warriors. Then she made ready for the
journey, and rode down to the shore. She took with her six and eighty
women, and an hundred fair damsels, and they tarried not longer, but set
out. They that were left behind wept sore! Graciously and sweetly the
lady quitted her land. She kissed her nearest of kin that stood round.
With loving farewells they reached the sea. To the land of her fathers
the maiden returned nevermore.

Many hands made music during the voyage, and they had all manner of
pastime, and a favouring wind. And so they sailed away; and many a
mother's son wept for it.

Brunhild wedded not the king on the voyage, but waited for a hightide
that was to be held in the castle of Worms; and thither they speeded
merrily with their knights.

Ninth Adventure

How Siegfried Was Sent to Worms

When they had journeyed full nine days, Hagen of Trony said, "Hearken to
my word. We have delayed too long to send the news to Worms on the
Rhine. The envoys should have been in Burgundy or now."

King Gunther answered, "Thou sayest sooth. And none were better for this
business than thyself, friend Hagen. Ride now into my land, for thou art
the fittest to tell of our coming."

"Nay, certes, dear master, I am but a bad envoy. Let me stay here at sea
and act the chamberlain. I will look to the women's wardrobe, till we
bring them to Burgundy. Bid Siegfried rather carry the message; by
reason of his great strength he will bear it through well. If he deny
thee, urge him with friendly words, that h