first the Burgundians liked the hospitable message well, but
suspicion of it was sown in their minds by Hagen, who guessed that
treachery lurked beneath its honeyed words. In the end they accepted the
invitation and journeyed to the land of the Huns, a thousand and sixty
knights and nine thousand soldiers. On the way they encountered many ill
omens.

The Journey

Through Eastern Frankland rode Gunther's men toward the river Main, led
by Hagen, for well he knew the way. All men wondered when they saw the
host, for never had any seen such lordly knights or such a rich and
noble retinue. Well might one see that these were princes. On the
twelfth day they came to the banks of the Danube, Hagen riding in the
van. He dismounted on the river's sandy shore and tied his steed to a
tree. The river was swollen with rains and no boats were in sight. Now
the Nibelungs could not perceive how they were to win over the stream,
for it was broad and strong.

And Hagen rebuked the King, saying: "Ill be with you, lord. See ye not
that the river is swollen and its flood is mighty? Many a bold knight
shall we lose here to-day."

"Not greatly do thy words help, Hagen," spake the King. "Meeter were it
for thee to search for a ford, instead of wasting thy breath."

But Hagen sneered back: "I am not yet weary of life, O king, and I wish
not to drown in these broad waves. Better that men should die by my
sword in Etzel's land. Stay thou then by the water's edge, whilst I seek
a ferryman along the stream."

To and fro he sought a ferryman. Soon he heard a splash of water and
hearkened. In a spring not far off some women were bathing. Hagen spied
them and crept stealthily toward them. But they saw his approach and
went swiftly away. Hagen, approaching, seized their clothes.

Now these women were swan-maidens, or mermaids, and one of them,
Hadburg, spake to him. "Sir Hagen," she said, "well wot I that ye wish
to find a ferry. Now give to us our garments and we will show you where
one is." They breasted the waves like swans. Once more spake Hadburg:
"Safely will ye go to Etzel's land and great honours will ye gain there;
aye, greater than hero ever rode to find."

Right joyous was Hagen at this speech. Back he handed to the maidens
their weeds.

Then spake another mermaid, Sieglind: "Take warning from me, Hagen.
Believe not the word of mine aunt, for she has sore deceived thee.
Go not to Etzel's land, for there you shall die. So turn agai