n courtly wise, "I will hunt with thee gladly, and
will ride to the forest, if thou lend me a huntsman and some brachs."

"Will one suffice?" asked Gunther. "I will lend thee four that know the
forest well, and the tracks of the game, that thou come not home
empty-handed."

Then Siegfried rode to his wife.

Meanwhile Hagen had told the king how he would trap the hero. Let all
men evermore avoid such foul treason. When the false man had contrived
his death, they told all the others. Giselher and Gernot were not
hunting with the rest. I know not for what grudge they warned him not.
But they paid dear for it.

Sixteenth Adventure

How Siegfried Was Slain

Gunther and Hagen, the fierce warriors, went hunting with false intent in
the forest, to chase the boar, the bear, and the wild bull, with their
sharp spears. What fitter sport for brave men?

Siegfried rode with them in kingly pomp. They took with them good store
of meats. By a cool stream he lost his life, as Brunhild, King Gunther's
wife, had devised it.

But or he set out, and when the hunting-gear was laid ready on the
sumpters that they were to take across the Rhine, he went to Kriemhild,
that was right doleful of her cheer. He kissed his lady on the mouth.
"God grant I may see thee safe and well again, and thou me. Bide here
merry among thy kinsfolk, for I must forth."

Then she thought on the secret she had betrayed to Hagen, but durst not
tell him. The queen wept sore that ever she was born, and made
measureless dole.

She said, "Go not hunting. Last night I dreamed an evil dream: how that
two wild boars chased thee over the heath; and the flowers were red with
blood. Have pity on my tears, for I fear some treachery. There be haply
some offended, that pursue us with deadly hate. Go not, dear lord; in
good faith I counsel it."

But he answered, "Dear love, I go but for a few days. I know not any
that beareth me hate. Thy kinsmen will me well, nor have I deserved
otherwise at their hand."

"Nay, Siegfried, I fear some mischance. Last night I dreamed an evil
dream: how that two mountains fell on thee, and I saw thee no more. If
thou goest, thou wilt grieve me bitterly."

But he caught his dear one in his arms and kissed her close; then he took
leave of her and rode off.

She never saw him alive again.

They rode thence into a deep forest to seek sport. The king had many
bold knights with him, and rich meats, that they had