m battlefield.

Loud and fierce was the conflict. Many a clanging blow fell upon
uplifted shields, many an eager sword-thrust struck through helmet
and through mail, and ever in the thickest of the fight rode
Siegfried, the valiant Prince of the Netherlands.

The hero was seeking for King Ludeger, the leader of the Saxon host.
Three times did he cleave his way through the mighty host until at
length he stood before the King.

Now Ludeger had seen how Siegfried swung his good sword Balmung, and
how he cleft in twain the helmet of many of the toughest warriors in
the Saxon army, and his heart was filled with rage. He knew also that
his brother Ludegast had been taken captive by this same bold Prince.

Thus it was that when Siegfried stood before his royal foe, the
onslaught of the King was more violent than the hero had expected. So
violent was it that the Prince's war-horse staggered and well-nigh
fell. With a mighty effort, the steed recovered from the shock, but
the rage of the hero was terrible. In his eagerness to reach the
fierce King Ludeger he dismounted, as also did his foe, and thus they
fought, while all around them flew the splinters of broken swords and
spears.

At length with a great blow Siegfried struck the shield from Ludeger's
hold; a moment more and he had him at his mercy. For the second time
that day the Prince was victor over a King.

As Siegfried stooped to bind his prisoner, Ludeger's eyes fell upon
the crown which was emblazoned on his victor's shield. Then he knew
that the rumour which had reached him was true. This mighty hero was
none other than Siegfried, the son of Siegmund, King of the
Netherlands.

Vain was it to fight longer with such a hero among their foes, and
Ludeger raised his voice loud above the tumult, and cried to his brave
Saxon warriors, 'My warriors, my lieges, cease to give battle. Lay
down your arms, lower your standards, for none may conquer where
Prince Siegfried wars.'

At Ludeger's words all that was left of the great armies of Danes and
Saxons laid down their arms, lowered their standards, while their King
humbly sued for peace.

By Hagen's command peace was granted, but Ludeger, along with Ludegast
and five hundred warriors who had been taken prisoner, were forced to
go with the Burgundians to the royal city of Worms.

The victorious army was soon upon its homeward way, the wounded being
carried in litters by the command of King Gernot.

Tidings were sent