Siegfried's hand. Well he knew that it was Siegfried, the mighty
man. To his friends the hero loudly called: "Desist ye from the
strife, my men, here I have seen the son of Siegmund, Siegfried,
the strong, and recognized him well. The foul fiend himself hath
sent him hither to the Saxon land." The banners bade he lower in
the fight. Peace he craved, and this was later granted him, but
he must needs go as hostage to Gunther's land. This was wrung
from him by valiant Siegfried's hand. With one accord they then
gave over the strife and laid aside the many riddled helmets and
the broad, battered bucklers. Whatever of these was found, bore
the hue of blood from the Burgundians' hand. They captured whom
they would, for this lay in their power. Gernot and Hagen, the
full bold warriors, bade bear away the wounded; five hundred
stately men they led forth captive to the Rhine. The worsted
knights rode back to Denmark, nor had the Saxons fought so well
that one could give them aught of praise, and this the heroes
rued full sore. The fallen, too, were greatly mourned by
friends.

Then they bade place the weapons on sumpters for the Rhine.
Siegfried, the warrior, and his heroes had wrought full well, as
Gunther's men must needs confess. Sir Gernot now sent messengers
homeward to Worms in his native land, and bade tell his kin what
great success had happed to him and to his men, and how these
daring knights had striven well for honor. The squirelings ran
and told the tale. Then those who afore had sorrowed, were
blithe for joy at the pleasing tidings that were come. Much
questioning was heard from noble dames, how it had fared with the
liegemen of the mighty king. One of the messengers they bade go
to Kriemhild; this happed full secretly (openly she durst not),