To Gunther's land were come the messengers his foes had sent.
Men asked the strangers for their tidings and bade them hie them
soon to court unto King Gunther. The king gave them greeting
fair; he spake: "Be ye welcome . I have not heard who sent you
hither, but let that now be told." So spake the right good king.
But they feared full sore King Gunther's warlike mood.

"Will ye, O King, permit that we tell the tales we bring, then we
shall not hold our tongue, but name to you the lordings who have
sent us hither: Liudegast and Liudeger; they would march upon
this land. Ye have earned their wrath, indeed we heard that both
lords bear you mortal hate. They would harry at Worms upon the
Rhine and have the aid of many a knight; that may ye know upon
our faith. Within twelve weeks the journey must befall. And ye
have aught of good friends, who will help guard your castles and
your lands, let this soon be seen. Here shall be carved by them
many a helm and shield. Or would ye parley with them, let
messengers be sent. Then the numerous bands of your mighty foes
will not ride so near you, to give you pain of heart, from which
full many a lusty knight and a good must die."

"Now bide a time," spake the good king, "till I bethink me
better; then ye shall know my mind. Have I aught of trusty men,
I will not withhold from them these startling tales, but will
make complaint thereof unto my friends."

To Gunther, the mighty king, it was loth enow, but in his heart
he bare the speech in secret wise. He bade Hagen be fetched and
others of his men, and sent eftsoon to court for Gernot. Then
came the very best of men that could he found. The king spake: