f a stranger. Why, then,
shall we cringe and cower before such men as Leudiger and Leudigast?"

Then Hagen answered, "Let us ask our friend and guest Siegfried. Let us
learn what he thinks about this business. Everybody knows that he is as
wise in council as he is brave in the field. We will abide by what he
says."

But Gunther and Gernot and the young Giselher were unwilling to do this;
for it was not their custom to annoy their guests with questions which
should be allowed to trouble themselves alone. And the kings and their
counsellors went out of the council-chamber, each to ponder in silence
upon the troublesome question.

As Gunther, with downcast head and troubled brow, walked thoughtfully
through the great hall, he unexpectedly met Siegfried.

"What evil tidings have you heard?" asked the prince, surprised at the
strange mien of the king. "What has gone amiss, that should cause such
looks of dark perplexity?"

"That is a matter which I can tell only to friends long tried and true,"
answered Gunther.

Siegfried was surprised and hurt by these words; and he cried out,--

"What more would Gunther ask of me that I might prove my friendship?
Surely I have tried to merit his esteem and trust. Tell me what troubles
you, and I will further show myself to be your friend both tried and
true."

Then Gunther was ashamed of the words he had spoken to his guest; and he
took Siegfried into his own chamber, and told him all; and he asked
him what answer they should send on the morrow to the overbearing
North-kings.

"Tell them we will fight," answered Siegfried. "I myself will lead
your warriors to the fray. Never shall it be said that my friends have
suffered wrong, and I not tried to help them."

Then he and Gunther talked over the plans which they would follow. And
the clouds fled at once from the brow of the king, and he was no longer
troubled or doubtful; for he believed in Siegfried.

The next morning the heralds of the North-kings were brought again
before Gunther and his brothers; and they were told to carry this word
to their masters,--

"The Burgundians will fight. They will make no terms with their enemies,
save such as they make of their own free-will."

Then the heralds were loaded with costly presents, and a company of
knights and warriors went with them to the border-line of Burgundy; and,
filled with wonder at what they had seen, they hastened back to their
liege lords, and told all that had hap