must ride for my sake and for
Kriemhild's too, the comely maiden, so that the royal maid requite it,
as well as I."

When Siegfried heard these words, full ready was the knight. "Now bid me
what ye will; naught shall be withheld. I will do it gladly for the fair
maid's sake. Why should I refuse her whom I bear in heart? Whatso ye
command for love of her, shall all be done."

"Then tell my mother Uta, the queen, that we be of lofty mood upon this
voyage. Let my brothers know how we have fared. These tidings must ye
let our friends hear, too. Hide naught from my fair sister, give her
mine and Brunhild's greetings. Greet the retainers, too, and all my men.
How well I have ended that for which my heart hath ever striven! And
tell Ortwin, the dear nephew of mine, that he bid seats be built at
Worms along the Rhine. Let my other kinsmen know that I am willed to
hold with Brunhild a mighty wedding feast. And tell my sister, when she
hath heard that I be come with my guests to the land, that she give fair
greeting to my bride. For that I will ever render Kriemhild service."

The good Lord Siegfried soon took leave of Lady Brunhild, as beseemed
him well, and of all her train; then rode he to the Rhine. Never might
there be a better envoy in this world. He rode with four and twenty
men-at-arms to Worms; he came without the king. When that was noised
about, the courtiers all were grieved; they feared their master had been
slain.

Then they dismounted from their steeds, high stood their mood. Giselher,
the good young king, came soon to meet them, and Gernot his brother,
too. How quickly then he spake, when he saw not Gunther at Siegfried's
side: "Be welcome, Siegfried; pray let me know where ye have left the
king my brother? The prowess of Brunhild, I ween, hath ta'en him from
us. Great scathe had her haughty love then brought us."

"Let be this fear. My battle-comrade sendeth greetings to you and to his
kin. I left him safe and sound. He sent me on ahead, that I might be his
messenger with tidings hither to this land. Pray have a care, however
that may hap, that I may see the queen and your sister, too, for I must
let them hear what message Gunther and Brunhild have sent them. Both are
in high estate."

Then spake Giselher, the youth: "Now must ye go to her, for ye have
brought my much of joy. She is mickle fearful for my brother. I'll
answer that the maid will see you gladly."

Then spake Sir Siegfried: "Howsoever I may s