messengers of Liudeger betook them to the court. Fain they were
that they should journey home again. Gunther, the good king,
made offrance of rich gifts and gave them safe-convoy. At this
their spirits mounted high. "Now say unto my foes," spake then
Gunther, "that they may well give over their journey and stay at
home; but if they will seek me here within my lands, hardships
shall they know, and my friends play me not false."

Rich gifts men bare then for the envoys; enow of these had
Gunther to bestow, nor durst the men of Liudeger refuse them.
When at last they took their leave, they parted hence in merry
mood.

Now when the messengers were come to Denmark and King Liudegast
had heard how they parted from the Rhine, as was told him, much
he rued, in sooth, their (4) proud defiance. The envoys said
that Gunther had full many a valiant man-at-arms and among them
they saw a warrior stand, whose name was Siegfried, a hero from
Netherland. Little liked it Liudegast when he heard aright this
tale. When the men of Denmark had heard these tidings told, they
hasted all the more to call their friends; till Sir Liudegast had
gathered for his journey full twenty thousand knights from among
his valiant men. Then King Liudeger, also, of Saxon land, sent
forth his summons, till they had forty thousand men and more,
with whom they thought to ride to the Burgundian land.

Likewise at home King Gunther got him men-at-arms among his kin
and the liegemen of his brothers, and among Hagen's men whom
they wished to lead thence for battle. Much need of this the
heroes had, but warriors soon must suffer death from this. Thus