their hands the black sumpters which bore the shields. The
steeds, too, they wished to lead away for easement. How boldly
then brave Siegfried spake: "Let stand the mounts of me and of my
men. We will soon hence again, of this have I great desire.
Whosoever knoweth rightly where I can find the king, Gunther, the
mighty, of Burgundian land, let him not keep his peace but tell
me."

Then up spake one to whom it was rightly known: "Would ye find
the king, that can hap full well. In yon broad hall with his
heroes did I but see him. Ye must hither hie you; there ye may
find with him many a lordly man."

To the king now the word was brought, that full lusty knights
were come, who wore white breastplates and princely garb. None
knew them in the Burgundian land. Much it wondered the king
whence came these lordly warriors in such shining array, with
such good shields, both new and broad. Loth was it to Gunther,
that none could tell him this. Then Ortwin of Metz (a bold and
mighty man was he) made answer to the king: "Since we know them
not, ye should send for mine uncle Hagen, and let him see them.
To him are known (4) all kingdoms and foreign lands. If so be he
knoweth these lords, he will tell us straightway."

Then bade the king that Hagen and his men be brought. One saw
him with his warriors striding in lordly wise unto the court.

"What would the king of me?" asked Hagen.

"There be come to my house strange warriors, whelm here none