ereat they were well content.

Spake Gunther, "Thou shalt say on this wise to my haughty foemen: They
did wisely to turn from their journey, for if my friends fail me not, and
they seek me here in my land, they will find work enow."

They brought out rich gifts for the envoys, whereof Gunther had to spare,
and these said not "nay." Then they took their leave, and departed
rejoicing.

When the messengers were come again to Denmark, and told Ludgast how that
the Rhine-men would ride thither, he was wroth at their boldness. They
made report to him of the many brave men Gunther had, and how that they
had seen a knight there amidst of them that hight Siegfried, a hero from
the Netherland, the which was heavy news for Ludgast.

When they of Denmark heard it, they hastened the more to summon their
friends, till that Ludgast had ready for the onset twenty thousand
warriors withal.

On like manner Ludger of Saxony summoned his men to the number of forty
thousand, ready to march into Burgundy.

The same also did King Gunther to his liegemen, and to his brothers with
their vassals, and to Hagen and his knights. These were sorry enow at
the news; and by reason thereof many a knight looked on death.

They hasted and made ready for the journey. Brave Folker bare the
standard. They purposed to cross the Rhine from Worms. Hagen of Trony
led the force. Sindolt and bold Hunolt were there, that they might
deserve King Gunther's gold; also Hagen's brother, Dankwart, and Ortwin,
fit men and worthy for the undertaking.

"Sit thou at home, O King," spake Siegfried. "Since thy knights are
willing to follow me, stay here by the women and be of good cheer; for,
by my troth, I will guard for thee both goods and honour. I will see to
it, that they that seek thee here at Worms by the Rhine bide where they
are; we will pierce deep into their country, till their vaunting is
turned to sorrow."

They passed from the Rhine through Hesse against Saxony, where the battle
was fought afterward. With plunder and with fire they laid waste to the
land, the which both the princes found to their cost.

When they were come to the marches, the warriors hasted forward, and
Siegfried began to ask them, "Which of us shall guard the rest from
surprise?" More to their hurt the Saxons never took the field.

They answered, "Let bold Dankwart guard the younger knights. He is a
good warrior. So shall we come in less scathe by Ludger's men. He and