avoided. The valiant men of Troneg, also, wrought dire woe, when
in great numbers the armies met. Bold Hagen's hand did many a
one to death; of this full many stories might be told here in the
Burgundian land. Sindolt and Hunolt, Gernot's men, Rumolt the
brave, have done such deeds that it may well ever rue Liudeger
that he made war upon thy kinsmen by the Rhine. The very best
fight that happed from first to last, that one has ever seen, was
made full lustily by Siegfried's hand. Rich hostages he bringeth
to Gunther's land. He won them by his prowess, this stately man.
Of this King Liudegast must bear the loss and eke his brother
Liudeger of Saxon land. Now listen to my tale, most noble queen:
by the hand of Siegfried the twain were caught. Never have men
brought so many hostages to this land, as now are coming to the
Rhine through him. Men are bringing to our land five hundred or
more unharmed captives; and of the deadly wounded, my lady, know,
not less than eighty blood-red biers. These men were mostly
wounded by bold Siegfried's hand. Those who in haughty pride
sent a challenge to the Rhine, must now needs be the captives of
Gunther, the king, and men are bringing them with joy unto this
land."

Still higher rose Kriemhild's color when she heard this tale.
Her fair face blushed a rosy red, that Siegfried, the youth, the
stately knight, had fared forth so joyfully from the dangerous
strife. These tidings could not have pleased her better. For
her kinsmen, too, she rejoiced in duty bound. Then spake the
lovely maid: "A fair tale thou hast told me; therefore shalt thou
have as guerdon rich attire. Likewise I'll have thee brought ten
marks of gold." (5) Small wonder that such tales are gladly told
to noble dames.