u blessed, but that suddenly two mountains
rose up from the ground, and their high granite crags toppled over, and
fell upon you, and buried you from my sight forever. Then I awoke again,
and my heart has ever since been heavy with fearful forebodings. I know
that some dread evil threatens us; yet, what it is, I cannot tell. But
go not out against the North-kings. Our Nibelungen-folk wait too long
for your coming."

Siegfried gayly laughed at his queen's fears, and said, "The woof of
every man's fate has been woven by the Norns, and neither he nor his
foes can change it. When his hour comes, then he must go to meet his
destiny."

Then he led her gently back to her room in the castle, and bade her a
loving farewell, saying, "When the foes of our Burgundian hosts are put
to flight, and there is no longer need for us here, then will we hasten
back to Nibelungen Land. Have patience and hope for a few days only, and
all will yet be well. Forget your foolish dreams, and think only of my
glad return."

It was arranged, that, in the march against the North-kings, Siegfried
with his Nibelungens should take the lead; while Hagen, with a picked
company of fighting-men, should bring up the rear. Every one was eager
to join in the undertaking; and no one, save King Gunther and his
cunning counsellor, and Ortwin and Dankwart, knew that the pretended
heralds from the North-kings were not heralds at all, but merely the
false tools of wicked Hagen. For the whole was but a well-planned plot,
as we shall see, to entrap unwary, trusting Siegfried.

Soon all things were in readiness for the march; but, as the day was now
well spent, it was agreed, that, at early dawn of the morrow, the little
army should set out. And every one went home to put his affairs in
order, and to rest for the night.

Late that evening old Hagen went to bid Siegfried's queen good-by.
Kriemhild had tried hard to drown her gloomy fears, and to forget her
sad, foreboding dreams; but it was all in vain, for deep anxiety still
rested heavily upon her mind. Yet she welcomed her dark-browed uncle
with the kindest words.

"How glad I am," she said, "that my husband is here to help my kinsfolk
in this their time of need! I know right well, that, with him to lead,
you shall win. But, dear uncle, remember, when you are in the battle,
that we have always loved you, and that Siegfried has done many
kindnesses to the Burgundians; and, if any danger threaten him, turn
it a