Page:The Nibelungenlied - tr. Shumway - 1909.pdf/70

12 of their lords these guests and took from their hands the black sumpters which bore the shields. The steeds, too, they wished to lead away for easement. How boldly then brave Siegfried spake: “Let stand the mounts of me and of my men. We will soon hence again, of this have I great desire. Whosoever knoweth rightly where I can find the king, Gunther, the mighty, of Burgundian land, let him not keep his peace but tell me.”

Then up spake one to whom it was rightly known: ”Would ye find the king, that can hap full well. In yon broad hall with his heroes did I but see him. Ye must hither hie you; there ye may find with him many a lordly man.”

To the king now the word was brought, that full lusty knights were come, who wore white breastplates and princely garb. None knew them in the Burgundian land. Much it wondered the king whence came these lordly warriors in such shining array, with such good shields, both new and broad. Loth was it to Gunther, that none could tell him this. Then Ortwin of Metz (a bold and mighty man was he) made answer to the king: “Since we know them not, ye should send for mine uncle Hagen, and let him see them. To him are known all kingdoms and foreign lands. If so be he knoweth these lords, he will tell us straightway.”

Then bade the king that Hagen and his men be brought. One saw him with his warriors striding in lordly wise unto the court.

“What would the king of me?” asked Hagen.

“There be come to my house strange warriors, whom here none knoweth. If ye have ever seen them, I pray you, Hagen, tell me now the truth.”