Siegfried bear the message, he knoweth how to do it well with his
mighty strength. If he refuse you the journey, then must ye in
courtly and gentle wise pray him of the boon for your sister's
sake."

Gunther sent now for the warrior, who came to where he stood. He
spake: "Sith we be now nearing my lands at home, it behooveth me
to send a messenger to the dear sister of mine and to my mother,
too, that we draw near the Rhine. This I pray you, Siegfried;
now do my will, that I may requite it to you ever," spake the
good knight.

Siegfried, the passing bold man, however said him nay, till
Gunther gan beseech him sore. He spake: "Ye must ride for my
sake and for Kriemhild's too, the comely maiden, so that the
royal maid requite it, as well as I."

When Siegfried heard these words, full ready was the knight.
"Now bid me what ye will; naught shall be withheld. I will do it
gladly for the fair maid's sake. Why should I refuse her whom I
bear in heart? Whatso ye command for love of her, shall all be
done."

"Then tell my mother Uta, the queen, that we be of lofty mood
upon this voyage. Let my brothers know how we have fared. These
tidings must ye let our friends hear, too. Hide naught from my
fair sister, give her mine and Brunhild's greetings. Greet the
retainers, too, and all my men. How well I have ended that for
which my heart hath ever striven! And tell Ortwin, the dear
nephew of mine, that he bid seats be built at Worms along the