Never have so many captives been led into this land, as come hither now
through his prowess."

The maiden was glad at the tale.

"Of unwounded men they bring five hundred or more, and eighty red biers
(I say sooth) of the wounded, fallen, the most part, by Siegfried's
might. They that arrogantly withstood the knights of the Rhine are now
Gunther's captives. Our men lead them hither rejoicing."

When she had heard the news aright, her fair cheek reddened, and her
lovely face was the colour of the rose, because it had gone well with
young and noble Siegfried, and he was come with glory out of peril. She
joyed for her kinsmen also, as in duty bound. And she said, "Thou hast
spoken well; for guerdon thereof thou shalt have costly raiment, and ten
golden marks, that I will bid them bear to thee." It is good to tell
glad tidings to rich women.

He got his envoy's fee of gold and vesture, and the fair maids hasted to
the window and looked down the road, where the high-hearted warriors rode
home. They drew nigh, whole and wounded, and heard the greeting of
friends unashamed. Light of heart Gunther rode to meet them, for now his
grim care was turned to joy. He received his own men well and also the
strangers. Not to have thanked them that were come to his court, for
that they had done valiantly in battle, would have been unseemly in so
great a king. And he asked tidings of his friends, and who was slain.
None were lost to him save sixty only, and these were mourned as many a
hero hath been mourned since.

They that were unhurt brought many battered shields and shivered helmets