The heroes entered the streets of Worms]

As the heroes entered the streets of Worms the people came out of
their houses all agape with wonder. Who could the bold strangers be?
See how their horses' trappings shone as burnished gold and how their
white armour glittered in the sunlight.

Then down from the castle rode Gunther's warriors to welcome the
strangers. Right courteously did they greet Siegfried and his eleven
brave knights. As the custom was, they sent their minions to lead away
the strangers' chargers to the stalls, and to bear their shields to a
place of safety.

But Siegfried cried gaily, 'Nay, from our steeds and our armour will
we not part, for ere long I and my gallant warriors will ride away
again to our own country. I pray thee now tell me where I shall
find thy King, for to speak with him came I thither.'

'King Gunther,' cried his warriors, 'is even now seated in yonder
hall, and around him are gathered many gallant heroes, many brave
knights.'

Now in the hall tidings had reached King Gunther of the band of
strangers who had so boldly entered into the royal city.

When he heard of their gorgeous raiment and their shining armour, much
did he desire to know from whence they came.

Then one of his lords said to the King, 'We know not who these
strangers be, yet if thou wilt send for Hagen, it may be he can tell
thee. For to Hagen strange lands are well known, as also the kings and
princes who dwell therein.'

Therefore Hagen was summoned in all haste to the presence of King
Gunther.

'Tell me now,' said the King, as his counsellor bowed low before him,
'tell me, if in truth thou knowest, who be these strangers that ride
so boldly towards the castle?'

Strong and stern Hagen stood up before the King. No winsome hero was
this man, but a warrior fierce and grim, with eyes to pierce all on
whom he gazed, so keen, so quick they were.

'The truth, sire, will I tell to thee,' answered Hagen, and he walked
over to the castle window, flung it wide and cast his searching glance
on Siegfried and his noble knights, who were now drawing near to the
castle.

Well was the grim counsellor pleased with the splendour of these
strangers with their shining helmets, their dazzling white armour,
their noble chargers, yet from whence they came he could not tell.

Hagen turned from the window to where the King stood awaiting his
answer.

'Whence come these knights I know not,' he said. 'Yet so noble is
t