s
fashioned fair. Smoothly trotted the steeds of bold Siegfried's men.
Their shields were new; gleaming and broad and fair their helmets, as
Siegfried, the bold, rode to court in Gunther's land. Never had such
princely attire been seen on heroes; their sword-points hung down
to their spurs. Sharp javelins were borne by these chosen knights.
Siegfried wielded one full two spans broad, which upon its edges cut
most dangerously. In their hands they held gold-colored bridles; their
martingales were silken: so they came into the land. Everywhere the folk
began to gape amazed and many of Gunther's men fared forth to meet them.
High-mettled warriors, both knight and squire, betook them to the lords
(as was but right), and received into the land of their lords these
guests and took from their hands the black sumpters which bore the
shields. The steeds, too, they wished to lead away for easement. How
boldly then brave Siegfried spake: "Let stand the mounts of me and of
my men. We will soon hence again, of this have I great desire. Whosoever
knoweth rightly where I can find the king, Gunther, the mighty, of
Burgundian land, let him not keep his peace but tell me."

Then up spake one to whom it was rightly known: "Would ye find the king,
that can hap full well. In yon broad hall with his heroes did I but see
him. Ye must hither hie you; there ye may find with him many a lordly
man."

To the king now the word was brought, that full lusty knights were come,
who wore white breastplates and princely garb. None knew them in the
Burgundian land. Much it wondered the king whence came these lordly
warriors in such shining array, with such good shields, both new and
broad. Loth was it to Gunther, that none could tell him this. Then
Ortwin of Metz (a bold and mighty man was he) made answer to the king:
"Since we know them not, ye should send for mine uncle Hagen, and let
him see them. To him are known (4) all kingdoms and foreign lands. If so
be he knoweth these lords, he will tell us straightway."

Then bade the king that Hagen and his men be brought. One saw him with
his warriors striding in lordly wise unto the court.

"What would the king of me?" asked Hagen.

"There be come to my house strange warriors, whelm here none knoweth. If
ye have ever seen them, I pray you, Hagen, tell me now the truth."

"That will I," spake then Hagen. He hied him to a window and over the
guests he let his glances roam. Well liked him their trappings a