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The Fall of the Niebelungs by Unknown
page 21 of 282 (07%)
it, that they that seek thee here at Worms by the Rhine bide where they
are; we will pierce deep into their country, till their vaunting is
turned to sorrow."

They passed from the Rhine through Hesse against Saxony, where the battle
was fought afterward. With plunder and with fire they laid waste to the
land, the which both the princes found to their cost.

When they were come to the marches, the warriors hasted forward, and
Siegfried began to ask them, "Which of us shall guard the rest from
surprise?" More to their hurt the Saxons never took the field.

They answered, "Let bold Dankwart guard the younger knights. He is a
good warrior. So shall we come in less scathe by Ludger's men. He and
Ortwin shall guard the rear."

"I will myself ride forward," said Siegfried, "and spy out the foe, that
I may know rightly who the warriors be."

Fair Sieglind's son did on his armour in haste. He gave his knights in
charge to Hagen and bold Gernot when he set out. He rode into Saxony all
alone, and won honour by his quest. He perceived a great host encamped
on a field, that loomed mightily against him, beyond the strength of one
man: forty thousand or more. And the high heart of Siegfried rejoiced.

One of the enemy's knights kept watch warily, and perceived Siegfried,
and Siegfried him, and they glared fiercely on each other. I will tell
you who he was that kept watch. On his arm he bare a glittering shield
of gold. It was King Ludgast that kept ward over his host.

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