might availed me nothing, I would rejoice none the less that thou art
well-minded toward me; as much and more will I do to thee if I live. I
will tell thee the cause of my trouble. Envoys from my foemen have
brought a message that with an army they will come against me; such
inroad of warriors hath not been aforetime in this country."

"Be not sorrowful for that," answered Siegfried; "be of good cheer, and
do now as I say. I will win for thee honour and profit or ever thy
foemen reach this land. Had they stark adversaries thirty thousand
warriors at their back, and I but one thousand, I would withstand them -
trust me for that."

King Gunther answered, "Thou shalt be well paid for this."

"Give me a thousand of thy knights, since of mine own I have but twelve
here with me, and I will keep thy land for thee. The hand of Siegfried
will serve thee truly. Hagen shall help us in this, and also Ortwin,
Dankwart, and Sindolt, thy loving knights, and eke Folker, the bold man,
who shall bear the standard: better knight thou wilt not find. Bid the
envoys return to their country; tell them they shall see us there soon
enow. So shall our castles go scatheless."

The king let summon his kinsmen and his liegemen, and Ludger's messengers
went to the court. They were glad to be gone. Gunther, the good king,
gave them gifts and an escort, whereat they were well content.

Spake Gunther, "Thou shalt say on this wise to my haughty foemen: They
did wisely to turn from their journey, for if my friends fail me not, and
they seek me here in my land, they will find work enow."