Now there were brought into Gunther's land strange tidings by envoys sent
from afar by foreign princes that hated him; and when they heard the
message they were troubled. The kings were as I will tell you: Ludger of
the Saxons, a high and might prince; and Ludgast of Denmark, and many
bold warriors with them.

These envoys, sent by his foemen, came into Gunther's land, and the
strangers were asked their business, and brought before the king.

The king greeted them fair, and said, "I know not who hath sent you
hither, and would hear it." So spake the good king, and they greatly
feared his wrath.

"If thou wilt have our message, O king, we will tell it plain, and name
thee the princes that have sent us. They are Ludgast and Ludger, and
will come against thee into they land. Thou are fallen in their
displeasure, and we know that they bear thee bitter hate. They come
hither with an armed force to Worms by the Rhine - they and their
warriors. Wherefore be warned. Inside of twelve days they will ride.
If thou hast truly friends, let it appear now; let them help thee to keep
thy castles and they country, for, or long, there will be smiting of
helmets and shields here. Or wouldst thou treat with them, then declare
it straightway, that thy foemen come not night thee to thy hurt, and that
goodly knights perish not thereby."

"Tarry a while - ye shall have answer betimes - that I may bethink me,"
said the good king. "If I have true liegemen, I will not hide it from
them, but will take counsel with them on this hard matter."

Heavy enow of his cheer was Gunther. He pondered the message secretly in